Camarillo, CA. — A federal immigration raid at one of California’s largest cannabis farms erupted into violent clashes this week, exposing the employment of 10 children illegal aliens—including eight unaccompanied minors—and igniting political outrage over the use of force and the government’s framing of the operation.
The enforcement action, led by U.S. Customs and Border Protection with support from federal immigration officers and the National Guard, targeted Glass House Farms, a prominent, state-licensed cannabis cultivator operating in Ventura County. Agents executed search warrants at its Camarillo and Carpinteria locations early Wednesday morning, citing suspicions of immigration violations and possible labor exploitation.
While the cannabis company holds valid licenses under California law, marijuana remains illegal under federal law—a legal disconnect that added fuel to the controversy over the raid’s purpose and conduct. Glass House Farms is also reportedly a significant donor to Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom of California.
Child Labor Allegations Emerge
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott confirmed the discovery of 10 undocumented juvenile laborers, including eight unaccompanied minors, working on the farm’s premises. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he said:
“Here’s some breaking news: 10 juveniles were found at this marijuana facility – all illegal aliens, 8 of them unaccompanied. It’s now under investigation for child labor violations.”
The revelation has prompted investigations by the Department of Labor and additional federal agencies into potential violations of child labor laws—marking a rare public case where immigration enforcement directly intersected with juvenile exploitation at a cannabis facility.
Protests and Clashes at the Farm
The raids quickly escalated into chaos. Hundreds of protesters—many from immigrant rights groups—gathered near the greenhouse facilities in Camarillo as agents in tactical gear moved in. Videos from the scene show federal agents deploying tear gas, rubber bullets, and smoke canisters, while a military-style helicopter hovered overhead.
One protester was captured on video firing a handgun toward the agents. Though no law enforcement officers were injured, the FBI has launched a criminal investigation and is offering a $50,000 reward for information identifying the shooter.
At least three people were transported to local hospitals, according to local emergency services.
Political Firestorm Over Tactics
California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the operation in stark terms. Sharing footage of children fleeing gas clouds, he wrote on X:
“Kids running from tear gas, crying on the phone because their mother was just taken from the fields. Trump calls me ‘Newscum’ – but he’s the real scum.” Newsom has not yet condemned the use of illegal immigrant children, including those without parents or gardens, as labor for a cannabis grow.
In a follow-up statement, Newsom expanded on his concerns, calling the tactics inhumane:
“There’s a real cost to these inhumane immigration actions on hardworking families and communities… Stephen Miller’s tactics evoke chaos, fear and terror within our communities at every turn.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (D–Ariz.) lambasted the raid. In an X post, Gallego said “We’re arresting assets; treating the backbone of our food chain like a threat. That’s not ‘border security.’ That’s self-sabotage in uniform.”
But the crop in question—cannabis—is still classified as a Schedule I substance under federal law. Critics have highlighted the contradiction of treating a federally illegal drug operation as if it were producing essential food.
“The attempt to gaslight the public into believing this was about ‘food’ stretches credibility,” said one agricultural policy analyst. “It’s either an illegal drug operation under federal law, or it’s not.”
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