Key Takeaways
• On July 10, 2025, ICE and National Guard raided Carpinteria cannabis farm, detaining at least 10 undocumented workers.
• Congressman Salud Carbajal was denied access to the federal operation, condemning it as misuse of resources.
• Local protests erupted; Governor Newsom criticized excessive force, while lawsuits challenge federal immigration raids in California.
Federal agents blocked U.S. Congressman Salud Carbajal from entering an immigration operation at a Carpinteria cannabis farm on July 10, 2025. The large-scale raid, which targeted Glass House Farms, sparked protests, injuries, and a heated debate over immigration enforcement and state-federal legal conflicts in California.
Federal Immigration Operation at Carpinteria Cannabis Farm
On the morning of July 10, 2025, about 50 agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), backed by the National Guard and Homeland Security, arrived at Glass House Farms in Carpinteria, Santa Barbara County. The same day, a similar operation took place at another Glass House Farms location in Camarillo, Ventura County. These actions were part of a broader immigration operation focused on arresting undocumented workers at state-licensed cannabis farms.
The agents came in armored vehicles and unmarked cars, some dressed in military camouflage and carrying weapons. They blocked off roads around Foothill Road and Casitas Pass, making large areas impassable for local residents and workers. Helicopters and drones circled overhead, providing aerial surveillance and crowd control.
Congressman Salud Carbajal Denied Access
During the operation, Congressman Salud Carbajal, who represents the Central Coast, tried to enter the Carpinteria cannabis farm to observe the federal agents’ actions. Federal agents denied him entry, despite his role as an elected official responsible for oversight. Carbajal called this move “completely unacceptable” and said he would demand answers from the Department of Homeland Security. He stressed that members of Congress have a right to oversee federal operations, especially those affecting their own communities.
Carbajal later stated, “This is a gross misuse of limited resources and a betrayal of American values. I will not stand by while my constituents are treated this way.” He promised to push for transparency and accountability from ICE and Homeland Security.
Scale and Tactics of the Immigration Operation
The immigration operation at the Carpinteria cannabis farm was notable for its size and the tactics used. Witnesses reported the use of tear gas, smoke bombs, rubber bullets, and flash bangs to disperse protesters and bystanders. Military helicopters flew low over the fields, reportedly to flush out individuals hiding among the crops.
At least 10 workers were detained at the Carpinteria location and taken away in unmarked vehicles to undisclosed locations. Four people were hospitalized, and three others received treatment at the scene for injuries related to the use of crowd-control munitions. The heavy use of force shocked many in the community and drew immediate criticism from local and state officials.
Protests and Community Response
News of the raids spread quickly, drawing large crowds of protesters to the scene. Many were local residents, farmworkers, and advocates for immigrant rights. The protests led to confrontations with federal agents, who used tear gas and other crowd-control tools to disperse the crowds.
Oxnard Mayor Luis McArthur and Carpinteria City Council members spoke out against the raids. The Carpinteria City Council called a special meeting to discuss possible responses. California Governor Gavin Newsom posted a video online showing children running from tear gas and called the federal response “overkill” and “deplorable.” He said, “No child should have to run from tear gas in their own community. These tactics are excessive and harmful.”
Glass House Farms, the business targeted in the operation, released a statement on social media saying it “fully complied with agent search warrants” and confirmed the presence of federal agents at both locations.
Federal vs. State Law: The Cannabis Conflict
Glass House Farms is licensed by the state of California to grow cannabis, which is legal under state law. However, cannabis remains illegal under federal law. This conflict has made state-licensed cannabis businesses vulnerable to federal enforcement, especially when it comes to the employment of undocumented workers.
Federal agents said they had warrants for the arrest of undocumented workers at the farms. The Trump administration has recently increased immigration enforcement in California, including deploying National Guard troops to support ICE operations. This has led to tension between state and federal authorities, as California has declared itself a sanctuary state and passed laws to protect undocumented residents.
Local and State Pushback
California officials, including Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, condemned the raids and called for an end to such federal operations. Nine California cities, including Los Angeles, have filed lawsuits against the Trump administration. They argue that these tactics are unconstitutional and designed to create fear rather than protect the public.
Governor Newsom said, “These raids are not about public safety. They are about sending a message of fear to immigrant communities.” Local officials have demanded a list of those detained and information about their current status, but federal agencies have not released detailed public statements as of July 11, 2025.
Procedural Details of the Operation
- Arrival and Blockade: Federal agents arrived in armored vehicles and unmarked cars, blocking off roads and making large sections of Carpinteria impassable.
- Aerial Surveillance: Helicopters and drones flew overhead, providing surveillance and crowd control.
- Use of Force: Protesters were dispersed with tear gas, smoke bombs, rubber bullets, and flash bangs.
- Detentions: At least 10 workers were detained and taken away in unmarked vehicles to undisclosed locations.
- Injuries: Four people were hospitalized, and three others were treated at the scene for injuries from crowd-control munitions.
Advocates and local officials have demanded transparency about the identities and status of those detained. Many families remain in the dark about the fate of their loved ones.
Community Impact and Trauma
The immigration operation at the Carpinteria cannabis farm has caused fear and anxiety among immigrant and farmworker communities. Reports have surfaced of families being separated and children traumatized by the use of force. Local advocacy groups, such as the 805 Immigrant Coalition and 805 UndocuFund, are organizing legal support and community response efforts for affected workers and families.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these types of raids often have long-lasting effects on communities, leading to increased mistrust of law enforcement and government agencies. Many workers now fear going to work, and some families are considering leaving the area altogether.
Political Fallout and Legal Uncertainty
The incident has deepened the conflict between California state and local governments and the federal administration over immigration enforcement and cannabis policy. The lawsuits filed by California cities could lead to court rulings on the constitutionality of such federal operations, which may affect future enforcement actions.
If courts rule in favor of the cities, it could limit the ability of federal agents to conduct similar raids in the future, especially in sanctuary jurisdictions. On the other hand, if the courts side with the federal government, state-licensed cannabis businesses may face more frequent and aggressive enforcement actions.
Statements from Stakeholders
- Rep. Salud Carbajal: “This is a gross misuse of limited resources and a betrayal of American values. I will not stand by while my constituents are treated this way.”
- Governor Gavin Newsom: “No child should have to run from tear gas in their own community. These tactics are excessive and harmful.”
- Glass House Farms: “We fully complied with agent search warrants and are cooperating with authorities.”
- Local Officials: Oxnard Mayor Luis McArthur and Carpinteria City Council members have publicly opposed the raids and are considering further action.
Future Outlook and Solution-Oriented Steps
The fallout from the immigration operation at the Carpinteria cannabis farm is far from over. Congressman Salud Carbajal and other California officials are seeking congressional hearings and further investigations into the conduct of ICE and Homeland Security during these raids. They are also pushing for legislative or executive action to clarify the roles and limits of federal enforcement in state-licensed cannabis operations and sanctuary jurisdictions.
Local advocacy groups are providing legal support and organizing community response efforts. The 805 Immigrant Coalition and 805 UndocuFund are helping affected workers and families with legal aid, emergency funds, and information about their rights.
What Can Affected Individuals and Families Do?
- Contact Elected Officials: Reach out to Congressman Salud Carbajal’s office for updates and support. His office can help connect families with legal resources and advocate for transparency from federal agencies.
- Seek Legal Help: Organizations like the 805 Immigrant Coalition offer legal support and can help families find out the status of detained loved ones.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from the Carpinteria City Council and Glass House Farms for the latest information about the situation.
- Know Your Rights: Immigrants and workers should know their rights during encounters with law enforcement. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) provides helpful resources on knowing your rights during ICE encounters.
Official Contacts and Resources
- Rep. Salud Carbajal: carbajal.house.gov | Washington, DC Office: (202) 225-3601
- Glass House Farms: glasshousefarms.org
- 805 Immigrant Coalition: 805ic.org
- ICE Public Affairs: 1-888-351-4024
- Carpinteria City Council: carpinteriaca.gov | City Hall: (805) 684-5405
Broader Implications for Immigration and Cannabis Policy
The immigration operation at the Carpinteria cannabis farm highlights the ongoing clash between state and federal law in the United States 🇺🇸. While California has legalized cannabis and offers protections for undocumented residents, federal law still prohibits cannabis and allows for aggressive immigration enforcement.
This legal conflict puts businesses, workers, and communities in a difficult position. State-licensed cannabis farms must follow strict state rules, but they remain at risk of federal raids if they employ undocumented workers. Workers, many of whom are immigrants, face the threat of detention and deportation even if they are following state law.
Calls for Policy Change
Many officials and advocates are calling for changes to federal policy. They argue that immigration enforcement should focus on serious crimes, not workers at state-licensed farms. They also want clearer rules to protect state-licensed businesses from federal raids.
Some lawmakers are pushing for federal reforms that would:
- Protect state-licensed cannabis businesses from federal enforcement if they follow state law
- Provide a path to legal status for undocumented farmworkers who play a key role in the agricultural economy
- Limit the use of force during immigration operations, especially in communities with children and families
Community Mobilization and Support
Local groups are stepping up to support those affected by the raids. The 805 Immigrant Coalition and 805 UndocuFund are providing legal help, emergency funds, and information. Community meetings and rallies are being held to demand answers and support families.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed, know their rights, and reach out for help if needed. The situation remains fluid, and further actions by both state and federal officials are expected in the coming weeks.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The immigration operation at the Carpinteria cannabis farm, and the denial of access to Congressman Salud Carbajal, have brought national attention to the challenges facing immigrant workers, state-licensed cannabis businesses, and local communities in California. The incident has sparked protests, legal action, and calls for policy change.
Affected individuals and families should seek legal support, stay informed, and reach out to elected officials for help. The broader community can support advocacy efforts and push for reforms that protect workers and respect state law.
As the legal and political battles continue, the outcome will shape the future of immigration enforcement and cannabis policy in California and across the United States 🇺🇸. For now, the focus remains on supporting those affected and demanding transparency and accountability from all levels of government.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, federal agency enforcing immigration laws including deportations and investigations.
Sanctuary State → A state limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented residents.
Tear Gas → Chemical weapon used by law enforcement to disperse crowds by causing temporary eye and respiratory irritation.
Federal Warrant → Legal document authorizing federal agents to conduct searches or arrests related to federal crimes.
Undocumented Workers → Individuals working without official government authorization or legal immigration status.
This Article in a Nutshell
Federal agents raided a California cannabis farm seeking undocumented workers, sparking protests and political backlash. Congressman Carbajal was denied oversight access, raising transparency concerns amid rising tensions over conflicting state and federal cannabis laws and immigration enforcement tactics impacting immigrant communities.
— By VisaVerge.com
