Andrew Gillies
CENTRAL COAST REGION, Calif. – Federal authorities now say at least 361 people and 14 children were taken into custody during last week’s large-scale immigration enforcement operation at Glass House Farms locations in Carpinteria and Camarillo—an increase from earlier estimates and now described by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as one of the largest operations since President Trump took office.
The enforcement action, carried out Thursday, July 10, involved multiple agencies including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Federal officials say the raids uncovered potential cases of child labor, human trafficking, and illegal hiring, as well as criminal activity among some of those detained.
In a statement released, Glass House Brands confirmed that it received valid immigration and naturalization warrants on July 10 and complied with federal authorities. The company stated:
“As per the law, we verified that the warrants were valid and we complied. Workers were detained and we are assisting to provide them legal representation. Glass House has never knowingly violated applicable hiring practices and does not and has never employed minors. We do not expect this to affect operations moving forward. We will provide additional details when applicable.”
The Sunday press release from DHS revised earlier figures, which initially stated approximately 200 people and 10 children had been taken into custody.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California declined to confirm whether Glass House Farms is under active investigation for child labor violations, citing office policy not to comment on ongoing investigations.
Thursday’s enforcement operation led to multiple injuries and one fatality. Jaime Garcia, a worker at the Camarillo location, died from head and neck trauma days after allegedly falling 30 feet during the raid. His family claims he was chased by agents.
“My uncle Jaime was just a hard-working, innocent farmer. He has his wife and daughter waiting for him. He was chased by ICE agents, and we were told he fell 30ft,” wrote his family in a GoFundMe post. “He was his family’s only provider. They took one of our family members. We need justice.”
George Retes, a 25-year-old disabled veteran and U.S. citizen working as a security guard at the farm, was also detained during the operation. He was held for three days and released without charges on Sunday.
Jonathan Anthony Caravello, a 37-year-old math professor at California State University Channel Islands, was arrested while protesting the raid near the Camarillo site. According to a federal complaint, he allegedly threw a tear gas canister back at agents and resisted arrest. He was released on $15,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 1 for a charge of assault on a federal officer.
“At this time, it is our understanding that Professor Caravello was peacefully participating in a protest—an act protected under the First Amendment and a right guaranteed to all Americans,” said the university in a statement.
Court documents show that agents executed a dual-location search warrant signed by Chief Magistrate Judge Karen Stevenson. Homeland Security Investigations labeled the operation high-risk due to the size of the cultivation sites and the presence of farming equipment.
An estimated 500 people gathered at the sites during the raids. DHS reports that four U.S. citizens are facing federal charges for interfering with law enforcement efforts.
“Federal agents are executing a search warrant at this marijuana farm,” posted U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli on X (formerly Twitter). “Agents have already arrested multiple individuals for impeding this operation and will continue to make arrests. Don’t interfere. You will be arrested and charged with a federal offense.”
DHS also reported that an unidentified individual allegedly opened fire at federal agents. As of Sunday, the FBI is still offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to that suspect’s arrest.
Image that appears to show a person firing a pistol during Thursday’s federal law enforcement operation in Camarillo. Image courtesy of ABC7 in Los Angeles.
“ICE and CBP law enforcement rescued at least 14 migrant children from what looks like exploitation, forced child labor, and potentially human trafficking or smuggling—while facing assault and even gunfire,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Our brave agents also arrested at least 361 illegal aliens—including criminals with convictions for rape, serial burglary, hit and run and DUIs.”
“As Secretary [of Homeland Security] Noem stated, this is quickly becoming one of the largest operations since President Trump took office.”
Minors detained following federal law enforcement operations in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties on July 10, 2025. Image courtesy of the Department of Homeland Security.
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