On July 12, 2025, in a recent operation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), approximately 200 undocumented immigrants were arrested in two greenhouse marijuana farms in California. At least 10 minors who may have been exploited were discovered at the scene.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the operation targeted the marijuana producer “Glass House Farms” and executed search warrants at two marijuana cultivation sites in Carpinteria and Camarillo, California, resulting in the apprehension of over 200 undocumented residents. During the operation, ICE and CBP officers were attacked by local protesters who opened fire. While dodging bullets, they managed to rescue at least 10 immigrant children.
According to the DHS statement, “More than 500 protesters attempted to disrupt the law enforcement operation, and four U.S. citizens are facing criminal charges for assaulting officers or resisting law enforcement personnel. These crowds damaged multiple vehicles, and one violent agitator fired shots at law enforcement officers. The FBI is currently offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension of the shooter.”
Photos and videos from the scene depict chaos, with law enforcement officers wearing helmets and masks, using tear gas and smoke bombs to disperse the intense protests. An individual was captured on camera allegedly firing a handgun at federal agents.
As of now, the gunman remains at large, and law enforcement agencies have issued a wanted notice.
The DHS statement noted that “Glass House Farms” is under investigation for suspected use of child labor, and these immigrant children may have been subjected to exploitation, forced labor, and human trafficking issues.
Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin stated, “While ICE and CBP officers risk their lives to protect and rescue immigrant children, some politicians in sanctuary cities are vilifying law enforcement officers. Anyone engaging in attacks or maliciously disclosing personal information of federal law enforcement officers will be held accountable under the law.”
However, the United Farm Workers Union reported that several workers were injured during the law enforcement operation, with one individual falling from a 30-foot-high greenhouse and succumbing to injuries the following day. The deceased, Jaime Alanis, has had his family initiate a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to assist with funeral arrangements and repatriation of his remains to Mexico.
In response, the DHS clarified that the individual was not being pursued by law enforcement officers but had accidentally fallen while climbing onto a roof. The department emphasized that law enforcement promptly called for aerial medical rescue at the time.