On Thursday, federal immigration agents executed a series of immigration sweeps in Ventura County, leading to a standoff between authorities and immigrant rights advocates. Eye-witness accounts and videos shared across social media platforms depict nearly a dozen agents employing less-lethal ammunition against a crowd gathered near Glass House Farms in Camarillo, a large cannabis greenhouse under scrutiny by federal agents, as reported by the 805 Immigration Coalition via Instagram.
Footage from the scene captures individuals shouting at the agents while coughing from tear gas, as they were struck by rounds of less-lethal ammunition. Activist Angelmarie Taylor, affiliated with the 805 Immigration Coalition, expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “There’s so many family and friends who work here at the Glass House Factory, it’s a huge factory.” She emphasized that this operation was not merely a cannabis raid but an immigration enforcement action. Taylor indicated that individuals working inside were being detained regardless of their citizenship status.
Approximately 500 people assembled to protest the immigration raids, demonstrating community solidarity against federal actions. Notably, investor and prominent short-seller Marc Cohodes, who has invested in Glass House, labeled the raid as “beyond outrageous.” He criticized the federal government for misallocating resources, stating, “The government is aware of cartels, illicit crime, the whole thing and yet, they decide to spend their resources going after a totally legal company.”
Glass House Farms, recognized as “the largest cannabis cultivator in the world,” operates under strict regulations and is fully licensed by the state of California. The company is led by Kyle Kazan, a former police officer known for his adherence to the law. According to Cohodes, the raid resulted in injuries to as many as 14 individuals, who were subsequently transported to local hospitals.
Aerial footage captured by news helicopters revealed distressed workers seeking refuge in the shade alongside a warehouse while federal agents maintained their position. Protesters actively obstructed road access to the facility, and federal agents attempted to navigate through the agricultural fields. Multiple ambulances were reported entering and exiting the premises, as noted by Taylor.
Sarah Armstrong, outreach chair with Americans for Safe Access, reported that personnel from Homeland Security and the U.S. National Guard were present, firing tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters. She highlighted her awareness of the raids due to Glass House Farms’ association with the cannabis industry but expressed uncertainty regarding whether agents presented a search warrant.
Lucas Zucker, co-executive director of the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), noted the unusual nature of the federal response, describing it as disproportionate for a small gathering in a largely remote agricultural area. He remarked, “I don’t think there’s any credible case that they were under threat,” underscoring the peaceful nature of the community members present.
This incident is part of a broader trend, as Glass House Farms has faced immigration scrutiny in recent months, particularly following a series of workplace raids initiated in June. Numerous videos circulating on social media documented agents pursuing farmworkers and conducting mass arrests across various farms. In a recent statement posted on X, Glass House Farms confirmed their cooperation with ICE officials during the visit and promised to provide further updates if necessary.
Zucker highlighted a decline in workplace raids in Ventura County following community mobilization efforts, but he noted an uptick in raids in suburban regions such as Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks. This latest raid marks a significant return of federal enforcement actions in the area.
Oxnard Mayor Luis McArthur commented on the situation, stating he was in communication with emergency services to ensure personnel were prepared for immediate assistance if needed. He acknowledged the likelihood that many employees at Glass House Farms reside in Oxnard and are currently seeking shelter from the heat in their vehicles. McArthur expressed concern over the broader implications of ICE’s aggressive tactics, calling for collaboration with state officials to explore legal options to combat these actions.
The unfolding events in Ventura County highlight the ongoing tension between federal immigration enforcement and local communities, raising critical questions about the impact of such operations on families and the local economy.
