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The Department of Homeland Security reported that federal immigration officials, with the help of the National Guard, conducted coordinated enforcement actions at two cannabis facilities in Southern California, resulting in the arrest of dozens of people, including undocumented minors. Local newspapers said that the operations, which started at 8:30 a.m., resulted in clashes with law authorities and attracted large crowds of demonstrators once agents showed up on the scene while the targets were Glass House Farms in Camarillo and a few other locations in Carpinteria, about 35 miles to the north.
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In Camarillo, footage from aerial surveillance was said to have captured a significant federal law enforcement presence in the area, with agents seen detaining workers while groups of demonstrators began to form nearby. It was stated by Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott that ten undocumented minors had been located at the Camarillo site, including eight who were unaccompanied. An investigation into possible child labor violations was reported to be underway at the facility.
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The commissioner also mentioned the Democratic leadership in California, pointing out that the state’s present administration, led by Governor Gavin Newsom, is said to be setting the stage for a 2028 presidential campaign.
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Following the raids, the state’s governor issued criticism of the enforcement operation and of the Trump administration’s immigration policies. In response, DHS publicly questioned the presence of children in such work environments and pointed to broader issues under the Biden administration, including the reported disappearance of approximately 300,000 unaccompanied minors, many of whom were suspected of being trafficked or exploited.
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It was further noted by DHS that the children discovered during the raid appeared to have been subjected to exploitation, possible human trafficking, or labor law violations. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli also acknowledged the federal search warrant that had been executed and warned that arrests would continue for those attempting to obstruct the operation. Reports indicated that tear gas and less-lethal munitions had been deployed later that afternoon after protesters blocked lanes on Laguna Road.
A separate video was later shared that appeared to show an individual discharging a firearm in the direction of federal agents. In connection with that incident, the FBI offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.
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Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump, while returning from Texas, remarked on the situation and expressed outrage over what had been described as violent attacks on federal agents by protesters. Damage to law enforcement vehicles had reportedly been observed, prompting Trump to authorize immigration officers to use any necessary means to protect themselves from physical assault.
Instructions were reported to have been given to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Security Director Tom Homan to ensure that officers would be empowered to detain individuals responsible for such acts, with the use of force being permitted where required.