DEA investigation results in around 70 arrests at multiple illegal grow operations near Thermal
Jesus Reyes
MECCA, Calif. (KESQ) – The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a large investigation at several illegal marijuana operations near Thermal Wednesday morning.
In an update, the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division said, “Preliminary numbers, subject to change, are as follows: 70 to 75 undocumented migrants were arrested. At least one US citizen was arrested for impeding law-enforcement. The operations covered 787 acres.”
“The Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division (Riverside DO) is leading a vast investigation, which involves multiple illegal marijuana grow operations, in the area of Thermal, CA,” the DEA wrote in a statement to News Channel 3.
DEA LA Field Division is leading a vast investigation involving multiple illegal marijuana grow operations in Thermal. The operation is authorized by federal search warrants signed by a federal magistrate judge from @USAO_LosAngeles based on a submission from @USAO_LosAngeles. pic.twitter.com/qSa3EIsSD2
— DEALosAngeles (@DEALOSANGELES) June 18, 2025
Unmarked law enforcement vehicles, military vehicle, and a helicopter in Mecca just before 11 a.m. in Mecca (6/18/25)
Wednesday morning, News Channel 3 received multiple reports of a large group of federal agents, including ICE and Border Patrol, and military vehicles in the eastern Coachella Valley area.
Military and unmarked law enforcement vehicles staged in Indio (6/18/25)
DEA officials confirmed this was not an ICE operation; however, our crews at the scene confirmed ICE and Border Patrol agents were at the scene and in the area as well.
“Due to the magnitude & topography of this operation, DEA has requested support from multiple federal partners. The nature of this evolving investigation limits the information we are able to provide at this point,” reads a DEA statement.
STATEMENT FROM SUPERVISOR MANUEL PEREZ ON RAIDS:
“ICE raids that occurred on June 18, 2025 are causing fear and widespread disruption in communities in the Coachella Valley. Reports recount aggressive migrant operations, including a raid at a Food 4 Less in Indio, targeting the most vulnerable communities like farm workers. These actions, carried out by masked agents with paramilitary tactics, are completely unnecessary in communities filled with working people. These raids are inhumane and destabilizing.
There is no plan, no organization, no respect for due process guarantees. We urgently call on our federal leaders to stand up for our community in the face of the Trump administration, for transparency and accountability, and to put an immediate end to these traumatic operations that separate families and sow discord.
We are in touch with our local partners, TODEC and the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice. Both organizations provide resources, including legal assistance for our migrant community. Visit Riverside County’s Immigration Resource Web for the list of resources and assistance..
Today and always, we show our support for the migrant community.”
We’ll have the latest updates at 5 and 6 pm on News Channel 3.