A farm worker has died following an immigration raid by U.S. agents at a legal cannabis farm in California, which led to the arrest of 200 undocumented migrants and confrontations with protesters. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and renewed tensions over federal immigration enforcement in the state.
The raid took place Thursday at marijuana farms in Carpinteria and Camarillo, Ventura County, about 90 kilometers from Los Angeles. According to the United Farm Workers union, the worker succumbed to injuries sustained during the operation.
Tricia McLaughlin, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), clarified that the deceased man was not in custody and had fallen from a greenhouse roof while trying to flee. “Although he was not being pursued by law enforcement, this individual climbed up to the roof of a greenhouse and fell 30 feet,” McLaughlin said. Emergency medical assistance was reportedly summoned immediately.
The DHS also confirmed that 200 undocumented migrants were detained and 10 children were rescued from suspected human trafficking and forced labor situations. The farms involved are owned by Glass House Brands, which stated it has never knowingly violated labor laws or hired minors.
During the raid, tensions flared as more than 500 demonstrators clashed with immigration officers. Tear gas was deployed, and several agency vehicles were damaged. Four U.S. citizens are facing charges related to assaulting or resisting officers. Authorities are offering a $50,000 reward for information on a suspect accused of firing a gun at federal agents.
Former President Donald Trump weighed in on the events via his Truth Social platform, calling protesters “slimeballs” and authorizing immigration agents to use “whatever means is necessary” to defend themselves against attacks. “I am giving total authorization for ICE to protect itself, just like they protect the public,” Trump stated.
This latest confrontation is part of a broader standoff between Trump and Democratic-led California. The president previously deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles to manage ongoing protests against federal immigration roundups—an action Governor Gavin Newsom criticized as unnecessary.
In a related legal development, U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong has ordered a halt to so-called “roving patrols” by federal agents in Los Angeles. The judge cited violations of constitutional rights, noting arrests were being made without probable cause and often based solely on race, language, or workplace.
Back at the Camarillo farm on Friday, the atmosphere was subdued. Workers waited in lines to collect their belongings and paychecks, with many still seeking information on detained family members.
“We’ve been here since six this morning asking questions but they’re not giving us any information,” said Saul Munoz, a Colombian whose son was taken into custody. “I just want to know how he’s doing. Bring him back to me, and if it’s time for us to leave, we’ll leave. The truth is, the American dream is no longer really the American dream.”
