🔹 The Raids and Initial Detentions
According to ICE, approximately 100 farmworkers were detained during the sweeps. In Camarillo, federal officials also uncovered ten juvenile workers—eight reportedly unaccompanied—working on site, sparking an additional investigation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection into potential child‑labor violations.
🔹 Protesters Confront Authorities
As news of the raids spread via social media, hundreds of migrant‑rights activists and family members mobilized. They blocked rural roads near the Greenhouse sites, resulting in tense standoffs with officers donning tactical gear and helmets. Authorities deployed tear gas or chemical smoke canisters to clear the crowds—a move that ignited further unrest.
One protester was reportedly seen firing a handgun in the direction of agents, though no injuries among law enforcement were reported. The FBI has since launched a manhunt and is offering a $50,000 reward for information regarding the individual responsible.
🔹 Local Impact and Official Responses
Local politicians were on the scene, notably Congressman Salud Carbajal, who described the raid as “militarized,” and voiced objections to being denied oversight access.
Ventura County Fire Department confirmed three people were hospitalized following the confrontation; it remains unclear whether they were workers or protesters.
Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom sharply criticized the raids, citing distressing footage of children fleeing tear gas. He condemned the operation as aggressive and counterproductive, particularly in community‑oriented agricultural areas.
On the federal side, DHS emphasized they were executing valid search warrants at a licensed cannabis facility and affirmed the need to uphold the law.
🔹 Broader Context
These raids are part of a wider surge in immigration enforcement across Southern California, with ICE and Border Patrol recently targeting farms, retail locations, and other rural workplaces. Many within the agricultural sector, where an estimated 50% of laborers lack legal status, warn that aggressive deportation measures could destabilize food supply chains.
The Trump administration’s policies have fluctuated—issuing directives to halt farm raids on June 14, only to reverse course days later. President Trump has suggested farmworkers could be permitted to stay if vouched for by employers, while the Department of Agriculture maintains there will be “no amnesty”.
✍️ Looking Ahead
Federal agencies continue to investigate whether laws regarding underage labor were violated. The FBI remains actively searching for the protester seen brandishing a firearm. As the legal and political backlash mounts, California officials are exploring potential legal challenges over the raid tactics.
For now, immigrant communities across the region remain on edge, concerned about the long‑term impacts on families, labor rights, and food security.
Dabbin-Dad Newsroom
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