A major immigration raid at two marijuana farms in Southern California has resulted in more than 360 arrests, a death, and rising tensions between federal authorities and local officials.The operation took place last Thursday at Glass House Farms facilities in Camarillo and Carpinteria, northwest of Los Angeles.It has been described as one of the largest operations since President Donald Trump took office, according to the department of homeland security (DHS) secretary Kristi Noem.
Mass arrests and a fatal fall
The DHS executed criminal search warrants at the two sites, with officers in tactical gear storming the greenhouses. The raids sparked confusion and fear among workers and nearby residents, many of whom gathered at the Camarillo location demanding information about their loved ones. One worker, 57-year-old Jaime Alanis, fell from a greenhouse roof while hiding and died two days later in hospital. His niece confirmed his death, noting that he had worked at the farm for a decade and was the sole provider for his wife and daughter in Mexico.Originally, federal officials said around 200 people had been arrested for alleged immigration violations. That number later increased to 361. Among those detained, four had prior convictions including rape and kidnapping.
Federal scrutiny and protest response
The federal government said it launched the raids to investigate suspected child labour, human trafficking, and abuse. DHS initially said 10 children were found on the property, later raising that number to 14. However, no charges have been filed, and the agency has not released details about the children, their ages, or their activities on site.Glass House Farms began in Carpinteria and later expanded to Camarillo, where it operates both cannabis and tomato greenhouses. State cannabis regulators said no minors were seen during a May inspection. Following a complaint, they reopened an investigation.The raids triggered protests, with tensions flaring between demonstrators and armed agents. Smoke filled the air as crowds clashed with authorities. Federal agents also arrested four US citizens accused of resisting or assaulting officers.
Legal challenges and local response
The raids come amid growing backlash from immigrant advocates and local leaders. A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to halt broad immigration stops in seven California counties. The justice department has appealed, calling the order vague and difficult to enforce.Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass responded by signing an executive order to support affected communities. The city will work with partners to distribute emergency cash assistance through immigrant rights groups. The funds aim to support residents too scared to go to work or access public services. The city also plans to train staff and establish a police working group to prepare for future immigration actions.Officials say the federal government has not shared the full search warrant or offered evidence to back its claims of trafficking or abuse.
