U.S. immigration authorities announced on Friday that they arrested approximately 200 immigrants suspected of being in the country illegally during operations conducted the previous day at two cannabis farm sites in California. The raids led to a tense standoff with protesters at one of the locations.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that criminal search warrants were executed on Thursday at farms in Carpinteria and Camarillo. The arrests involved individuals believed to be in the country unlawfully, including at least 10 children present at the sites.
Four U.S. citizens were also taken into custody for allegedly assaulting or resisting officers. The DHS is offering a reward of $50,000 for information leading to the capture of a suspect believed to have fired a gun at federal agents. One worker, who called family members to say he was hiding from authorities, was hospitalized and on life support after falling and sustaining severe injuries.
The raid drew a large crowd of community members outside Glass House Farms in Camarillo, where people gathered to find out about their loved ones and protest the enforcement action. Authorities, dressed in military-style helmets and uniforms, faced off with demonstrators, while thick green and white smoke billowed into the air, forcing many to retreat.
Glass House Farms, a licensed cannabis grower in California, confirmed that the immigration agents had valid warrants. The company stated that workers were detained and that it is assisting them in obtaining legal representation. The farm also cultivates tomatoes and cucumbers.
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