Professor Arrested Amid ICE Raid on Cannabis Farm
A professor from California State University Channel Islands was taken into custody last week for allegedly throwing tear gas canisters at an Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent during a significant raid on a cannabis farm.
Reports indicated that ICE initiated an investigation into potential child labor trafficking linked to two marijuana farms. This followed the discovery of ten immigrant children during a larger operation that resulted in the arrest of around 200 individuals believed to be illegally present in the U.S.
On July 10, ICE agents conducted simultaneous raids on two farms in Carpinteria and Camarillo, California. In the course of these actions, they not only apprehended about 200 individuals but also encountered ten undocumented minors.
During the operation, agents faced substantial resistance from groups of over 500 people trying to thwart the raids, leading to criminal charges against four U.S. citizens. Some protesters reportedly damaged ICE property, while a few were caught on camera firing weapons at the agents.
On Thursday, Mathematics Professor Jonathan Anthony Caravelo was arrested for his involvement during these clashes, specifically for allegedly hurling a tear gas canister at law enforcement. Bill Essay, representing the Central District of California, confirmed the details earlier this week.
“Professor Jonathan Caravelo was not ‘invited’ by federal agents,” Essay stated. “He was arrested for throwing a tear gas canister at law enforcement officials.”
Caravelo faces charges under 18 USC 111 for assaulting and obstructing a federal official. He was later released on a $15,000 bond after appearing in court on Monday. Both the California Faculty Association (CFA) and Cal State Channel Islands have released statements expressing their support.
The CFA remarked, “Jonathan was a devoted educator and advocate for the student and immigrant communities, which likely made him a target.” They emphasized that organized voices can effect change and pledged to continue fighting against what they see as injustice.
The university added, “We understand that Professor Caravelo was peacefully participating in a protest, a right protected under the First Amendment. We stand in support of calls for his immediate release if these claims are corroborated.”
