CAMARILLO & CARPINTERIA, CA – July 10, 2025

Federal agents, primarily from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), conducted raids on state-licensed cannabis nurseries operated by Glass House Farms in Camarillo and Carpinteria, California, on Thursday. The operations led to tense standoffs with protesters, the detention of numerous farmworkers, and immediate condemnation from state officials.

Details of the Operations:

• Targets: The raids focused on facilities belonging to Glass House Farms, a prominent, state and county-licensed cannabis producer in California.

• Federal Presence: A significant federal law enforcement presence was reported at both locations, including military-style vehicles, agents in tactical gear, and a helicopter overhead. Roads in the affected agricultural areas were blocked.

• Warrant Execution: The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that agents were “executing a warrant at a marijuana facility.” However, federal officials have not publicly disclosed the specific nature of the warrant or the reasons for targeting a licensed cannabis operation.

• Detentions: Approximately 100 farmworkers were reportedly detained during the raids. Reports from federal officials, including CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott, claimed that 10 undocumented juveniles, eight of whom were unaccompanied, were found at the Camarillo facility, leading to an investigation into alleged child labor violations.

• Protester Clashes: As news of the raids spread, protesters quickly converged on the sites, leading to confrontations with federal agents.

  • Authorities reportedly deployed smoke canisters, and witnesses described the use of flash-bang grenades and rubber bullets to disperse crowds.

  • In a particularly alarming incident, video footage appeared to show a protester allegedly firing a weapon at federal agents in Camarillo. The FBI has launched an investigation and is seeking information on the suspect.

• Injuries and Denied Access: Emergency crews responded to the scene, and at least three people were transported to hospitals for unspecified injuries. U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-California) was reportedly denied access to the Carpinteria site by federal agents while attempting to assess the situation.

Broader Context and Reactions:

State vs. Federal Law: The raids highlight the ongoing conflict between California’s legal cannabis industry and federal law, which still classifies cannabis as an illegal Schedule I controlled substance. While Glass House Farms holds all necessary state and local licenses, federal law enforcement operates under a different legal framework.

Immigration Enforcement: These operations occurred amidst a broader surge in federal immigration enforcement activities across Southern California, which have intensified fear and anxiety within immigrant communities. Officials like Governor Gavin Newsom have criticized the “militarized” nature of these raids and their impact on families and communities.

Official Statements:

The “Governor” condemned the federal actions, calling them “inhumane” and criticizing tactics that “evoke chaos, fear and terror.” He also drew parallels to the January 6, 2021 events when commenting on violence against law enforcement.

U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael W. Banks stated that “violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated” and promised “serious consequences” for anyone targeting federal personnel.

Glass House Farms released a statement confirming their compliance with the search warrants and noting that ICE officials had visited their facilities previously in June.

The events of July 10 underscore the volatile intersection of federal immigration policy, national drug laws, and state-level cannabis legalization, creating significant uncertainty and tension for businesses and workers in California’s agricultural sector.

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