The FBI is currently conducting an investigation into a potential shooting that occurred on Thursday, during an immigration enforcement operation at a cannabis farm in Camarillo. The incident escalated as hundreds of protesters clashed with federal agents, leading to heightened tensions at the scene. Eyewitness footage captured by ABC7 News appears to show a man firing a weapon at federal agents, coinciding with the deployment of smoke canisters aimed at dispersing the crowd. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries resulting from this altercation.
As details continue to emerge, the specifics surrounding the weapon used in the incident remain unclear. In response to the shooting, the FBI has announced a reward of $50,000 for information that could lead to the conviction of the individual who allegedly discharged a firearm at federal officers around 2:26 p.m. on Laguna Road, situated between Wood and Las Posas roads. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli emphasized the seriousness of the situation in a statement shared on social media platform X.
“During the operation, a violent agitator fired a gun at our brave officers,” stated Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security. She further asserted that anyone who assaults or doxes federal law enforcement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. According to McLaughlin, nearly 200 individuals without documentation were arrested during the Thursday operation.
The incident prompted discussions on social media, with a pro-Trump account questioning whether California Governor Gavin Newsom would condemn the shooting. In a direct response, Newsom stated, “Of course I condemn any assault on law enforcement, you shit poster,” before alluding to the January 6 insurrection by adding, “Now do Jan 6.” This reference highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding law enforcement and public protests.
The protest was ignited when federal agents, along with members of the National Guard, conducted a raid at the Glass House Farms cannabis growing site located at 645 Laguna Road. The agents were executing a search warrant and apprehended several individuals suspected of obstructing the operation, as outlined by U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. In a concerning revelation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott reported that ten undocumented minors were discovered at the farm, eight of whom were unaccompanied, prompting an investigation into potential child labor violations.
The Ventura County Fire Department responded to the scene at approximately 12:15 p.m., transporting five individuals to the hospital while treating four others on-site. Throughout the chaotic hours-long demonstration, federal agents resorted to using tear gas, smoke canisters, and rubber bullets against protesters, escalating tensions significantly.
In another related incident, federal agents executed a raid at a separate Glass House Farms site in Carpinteria, approximately 35 miles up the coast. U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) attempted to gain access to the facility around noon, identifying himself as a member of Congress conducting oversight. However, he was denied entry by masked federal agents who formed a perimeter around the site. In light of the later shooting incident in Camarillo, Carbajal noted that “these tactics are creating an incendiary, hostile environment,” warning that such actions could lead to regrettable violence in the future.
In a statement on social media platform X, Glass House Farms confirmed that they fully complied with the search warrants issued by federal agents and will continue to provide updates as necessary regarding the situation.
