National Guard Mobilized in California for Marijuana Farm Raids
The National Guard in California has been called in to help address riots connected to the arrest of illegal immigrants working on unlawful marijuana farms. Recently, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported that they, along with various federal partners, have arrested around 70 undocumented workers allegedly involved in these operations located in the Coachella Valley.
According to Anthony Chrysanthis, assistant special agent in charge of the DEA’s Los Angeles division, the raids focused on three separate illegal marijuana cultivation sites in Thermal, California. Notably, temperatures reached a sweltering 112 degrees during the operation. Federal agents executing a search warrant reportedly discovered two men inside a trailer that was padlocked.
In another related incident, a U.S. citizen was charged with allegedly obstructing law enforcement efforts. Chrysanthis described the situation, stating, “These operators weren’t planning on stopping. Instead, we saw evidence of additional construction.” It’s concerning, really, how determined some of these individuals can be.
The DEA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have yet to provide comments regarding the operations. The National Guard reached out to DHS with some questions, though it’s unclear what the responses might be.
This crackdown comes on the heels of significant anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles, which recently led to millions in damages and a demand for restoration of order by federal law enforcement. Approximately 315 National Guard troops, initially deployed in response to these protests, have now been relocated to assist in the Coachella Valley operations.
The situation is further complicated by an ongoing legal battle between the Trump administration and California Governor Gavin Newsom over the White House’s authority to deploy National Guard members to counter anti-ICE demonstrations. After a federal judge initially blocked the deployment, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals swiftly overturned that decision, allowing military support to continue.
In January, the Department of Homeland Security had issued a directive aimed at empowering various law enforcement agencies, including the DEA, to assist with immigration enforcement initiatives. This directive is part of what some are calling the largest deportation operation in U.S. history.
