Federal officials announced that over 300 undocumented immigrants were taken into custody on Thursday during an Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Cannabis County, located in Ventura County, California.
Christie Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, reported that 319 immigrants were apprehended at Glasshouse Farm, where law enforcement intervened to rescue 14 children from potential exploitation and human trafficking.
This operation is considered one of the largest ICE actions in California’s history, second only to a 2019 raid on a chicken processing plant in Mississippi that led to nearly 700 arrests.
Among those detained was a man with a history of violent offenses, including charges related to child exploitation.
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott shared details, mentioning that this individual was previously sentenced for attempted kidnapping and rape.
Notably, the man worked on the same farm as his ten children, one of whom is just 14 years old.
Reports indicate that the children rescued from the farm were originally from Mexico and Honduras, while authorities are currently reviewing the criminal backgrounds of all 319 detainees.
Glasshouse Farms is under investigation for possible violations of child labor laws.
The co-founder of the company, Graham Farrar, had previously donated to both Democratic and Republican politicians, advocating for the reform of cannabis laws.
During the raid, tensions escalated into violent confrontations between ice agents and demonstrators.
Some federal law enforcement officials faced assaults, including one incident where a hand held weapon was reportedly pointed at an agent amidst the chaos caused by tear gas.
Tragically, one worker died during the operation after falling from a 30-foot greenhouse.
In response, former President Trump criticized the protesters on his social media platform, urging ICE to take necessary measures to ensure their safety in future operations.
He expressed frustration at the violence directed towards law enforcement, condemning the actions of those who attacked officers during the operation.
Trump concluded by stating he fully supported law enforcement in protecting themselves while maintaining order.
