Key Takeaways
• On July 10, 2025, ICE and other federal agents raided Glass House Farms in Camarillo, targeting undocumented workers.
• Protests erupted with federal agents using tear gas and less-lethal rounds; several injured and dozens detained.
• This raid is part of Trump’s increased immigration enforcement using military support and caused strong local backlash.
Federal agents carried out a large-scale immigration enforcement raid at Glass House Farms in Camarillo, Ventura County, California, on July 10, 2025. The operation, which also included a simultaneous action at the company’s Carpinteria nursery, quickly drew national attention. Hundreds of workers, local residents, and immigrant rights advocates became involved as the situation escalated, leading to clashes between law enforcement and protesters. The raid marks one of the most significant and controversial immigration actions in California this year, raising urgent questions about federal immigration policy, the use of force, and the impact on local communities.
What happened at Glass House Farms?
On the morning of July 10, 2025, federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Border Patrol, and reportedly National Guard units arrived at Glass House Farms, a major cannabis cultivation facility near Laguna Road and Las Posas Road in Camarillo. At the same time, agents also moved in on the company’s Carpinteria location. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the operation aimed to serve warrants on the business for allegedly hiring and harboring undocumented workers.
Glass House Farms is one of the largest cannabis operations in the world, employing hundreds of workers, many of whom are immigrants. The scale of the immigration enforcement raid and the presence of military support made this event stand out, especially in a state known for its strong protections for immigrant communities.
How did the raid unfold?
Federal agents arrived in the late morning, blocking access roads and securing the perimeter of the farm. They served warrants, entered the facility, and began questioning and detaining workers. As news spread, hundreds of protesters gathered at the scene. Many were immigrant rights advocates, local residents, and family members of workers. The crowd quickly grew tense as federal agents formed skirmish lines to keep people away from the facility.
To disperse the protesters, agents used tear gas, smoke canisters, flash bangs, and less-lethal rounds. The Ventura County Fire Department later reported that four people were hospitalized and three more were treated at the scene for injuries related to these crowd control measures. At least 10 people were detained at the Carpinteria site, with more detentions reported in Camarillo, though the exact number remains unclear.
Among those arrested was a philosophy professor from Cal State Channel Islands, who was reportedly detained while helping a disabled protester. The protest and standoff continued into the night, with federal agents maintaining a strong presence past 11 p.m.
Why did federal agents target Glass House Farms?
Federal authorities stated that the raid was part of a broader effort to enforce immigration and labor laws. They accused Glass House Farms of hiring and harboring undocumented workers, which is a violation of federal law. The Department of Homeland Security released a statement saying, “Our brave officers will continue to enforce the law.” ICE, the main agency responsible for immigration enforcement, has increased its focus on large employers in agriculture and other industries that rely heavily on immigrant labor.
This operation is part of a larger policy shift under President Trump’s administration, which has directed ICE to carry out the largest mass deportation program in United States 🇺🇸 history. In early summer 2025, President Trump deployed about 4,700 troops to California under Title 10, authorizing military support for federal personnel and property protection during immigration operations. This marks the first known use of tear gas during an immigration raid in Ventura County, signaling a significant escalation in enforcement tactics.
How did local and state officials respond?
The raid sparked immediate and strong reactions from California officials and community leaders. Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the actions as “inhumane,” stating, “There’s a real cost to these inhumane immigration actions on hardworking families and communities, including farmworker communities, across America.” His office criticized the tactics as creating “chaos, fear and terror within our communities at every turn.”
Camarillo City Councilmember Dr. Martita Martinez-Bravo warned of severe impacts on the agricultural workforce, saying, “The farmworking community was already struggling… now with these additional tactics, somebody’s going to have to pay the price, and I think that might be us and the agricultural growers whose food may rot.” California Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin called the raids “senseless militaristic” actions and highlighted the trauma inflicted on farmworkers.
U.S. Congressman Salud Carbajal tried to observe the operation but was denied entry to the farm by federal agents. Local officials expressed concern about the potential for labor shortages, crop loss, and economic disruption for growers and the broader food supply chain.
What was the reaction from immigrant rights groups and the community?
Immigrant rights groups quickly mobilized to provide legal aid, document abuses, and support affected families. Organizations like the 805 UndocuFund and 805 Immigrant Coalition issued alerts and coordinated emergency assistance. Many community members described the use of militarized tactics and crowd control measures as deeply traumatizing, especially for families with children and those with mixed immigration status.
Advocates raised concerns about due process, access to legal counsel, and the impact on families and dependents. They also warned that the raids could discourage workers from reporting labor violations or seeking help, making them more vulnerable to exploitation.
How did the raid affect farmworkers and the agricultural sector?
The immediate impact on farmworkers was severe. Many workers, including those with and without legal status, were detained or questioned. Some were released after documentation checks, but others faced the risk of deportation. The fear and uncertainty spread quickly through the local immigrant community, with many families unsure if their loved ones would return home.
For agricultural employers, the raid created sudden labor shortages and raised the risk of crop loss. Local officials and growers warned that food could rot in the fields if there were not enough workers to harvest it. The economic disruption threatened not only the farm but also the broader food supply chain in the region.
What are the legal and civil rights implications?
Civil rights organizations are preparing to challenge the legality and conduct of the raids in court. They argue that the use of military support and crowd control measures may violate constitutional rights, including the right to peaceful protest and protection from unreasonable searches and seizures. Legal aid groups are working to ensure that detainees have access to lawyers and that their rights are protected throughout the process.
Advocacy groups are also documenting any reports of abuse or excessive force, with the goal of holding federal agencies accountable. The 805 UndocuFund and 805 Immigrant Coalition continue to provide emergency support and legal assistance to those affected.
What is the broader policy context?
The Glass House Farms raid is part of a larger trend of increased immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. In 2024 and 2025, federal authorities have stepped up raids on large employers, especially in agriculture, construction, and food processing. The use of military support and aggressive crowd control tactics marks a new phase in the conflict between federal and state authorities over immigration policy.
California, which has some of the strongest protections for immigrants in the United States 🇺🇸, has repeatedly clashed with federal officials over enforcement actions. State and local leaders argue that such raids harm families, disrupt local economies, and create fear in communities. Federal agencies, on the other hand, insist that they are enforcing the law and protecting jobs for U.S. citizens.
What are the next steps for affected individuals and families?
For those directly impacted by the raid, immediate steps include:
- Contacting legal aid organizations such as Ventura County Legal Aid or the 805 Immigrant Coalition for help with detention or deportation proceedings.
- Seeking emergency support from groups like the 805 UndocuFund, which provides financial and humanitarian assistance to undocumented individuals and families.
- Staying informed by checking official state and local government websites for updates on the situation and available resources.
- Documenting any abuses or violations of rights during the raid, which can help in legal challenges and advocacy efforts.
For more information on available services, the California Department of Social Services – Immigration Services provides a list of state-level support and resources for immigrants.
What does this mean for the future?
The Glass House Farms immigration enforcement raid has intensified debate over federal immigration policy, the use of military force in domestic law enforcement, and the relationship between state and federal authorities. Civil rights organizations are expected to file lawsuits challenging the legality and conduct of the raids. Local and state officials are demanding transparency and accountability from federal agencies.
Advocacy groups are organizing continued protests, legal clinics, and support for affected families. The situation remains highly fluid, with ongoing protests, legal actions, and policy responses expected in the coming days and weeks.
Multiple perspectives on the raid
Different groups have responded to the raid in different ways:
- Federal Agencies (DHS/ICE): Defend the operation as lawful enforcement of immigration and labor laws.
- California State Officials: Condemn the tactics as inhumane and warn of economic and social harm.
- Local Government: Express concern for farmworkers and the agricultural economy.
- Immigrant Rights Groups: Decry the raids as traumatizing and mobilize legal and humanitarian support.
- Agricultural Employers: Face labor shortages and economic uncertainty.
- Protesters: Demand an end to militarized immigration enforcement and report excessive use of force.
Historical context and background
Glass House Farms is one of the world’s largest cannabis producers and relies heavily on immigrant labor. Ventura County has a long history of agricultural labor disputes and is home to a significant immigrant population. The 2025 raids are the most aggressive in recent memory, with the use of military support and crowd control measures marking a new phase in federal-local tensions over immigration policy.
In June 2025, a similar raid in Ventura County resulted in the detention of more than 40 farmworkers. The escalation in enforcement tactics has left many in the community feeling anxious and uncertain about the future.
Step-by-step summary of the raid
- Federal agents arrive at the farm, block access roads, and secure the perimeter.
- Warrants are served on the facility, with agents entering and questioning or detaining workers.
- Protesters gather at access points, facing off with law enforcement.
- Agents deploy crowd control (tear gas, smoke, less-lethal rounds) to disperse protesters.
- Detainees are transported via federal vehicles, with some released after documentation checks.
- Legal and advocacy groups mobilize to provide support and monitor the situation.
What can affected communities do now?
- Know your rights: Workers and community members should be aware of their rights during encounters with law enforcement. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other organizations offer resources on what to do if approached by ICE.
- Seek legal help: Contact local legal aid organizations for advice and representation.
- Stay connected: Community members should stay in touch with advocacy groups and support networks for updates and assistance.
- Document everything: Keep records of any interactions with law enforcement, including names, badge numbers, and details of what happened.
Looking ahead
The Glass House Farms immigration enforcement raid has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over immigration policy in the United States 🇺🇸. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the use of military support and aggressive tactics in this operation has raised serious concerns about civil rights, community safety, and the future of agricultural labor in California.
Legal challenges, policy debates, and community mobilization are expected to continue in the weeks and months ahead. For those affected, immediate support is available through local legal aid and advocacy organizations. For the broader community, staying informed and engaged will be key to shaping the response to future immigration enforcement actions.
For official information and resources, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website, which provides up-to-date details on immigration laws, forms, and procedures.
This situation remains highly fluid. Community members, workers, and employers should continue to monitor official channels and seek support as needed. The events at Glass House Farms highlight the real-life impact of immigration enforcement policies and the importance of practical, solution-oriented responses for those most affected.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, agency enforcing immigration and customs laws in the United States.
Tear Gas → A chemical agent causing eye and respiratory irritation, used by law enforcement for crowd control.
Warrants → Legal authorizations issued by courts allowing law enforcement to search or detain individuals.
Title 10 → Section of U.S. law authorizing military support to federal agencies during domestic operations.
Due Process → Legal requirement ensuring fair treatment through the judicial system before depriving rights.
This Article in a Nutshell
Federal agents raided Glass House Farms on July 10, 2025, targeting undocumented laborers. Protests erupted violently, leading to injuries and detentions. This large operation symbolizes escalating federal immigration enforcement tactics under the Trump administration amid growing community resistance in California’s agricultural sector.
— By VisaVerge.com
