Worker Dies in US Immigration Raid on California Cannabis Farm
On July 11, 2025, a farm worker died from injuries sustained during a US immigration raid on a legal cannabis farm in Ventura County, California, which led to the arrest of 200 undocumented migrants.
The raid, targeting Glass House Farms in Carpinteria and Camarillo, sparked clashes with protesters and drew significant attention.
The United Farm Workers labor union confirmed the worker’s death, stating on X, “We tragically can confirm that a farm worker has died of injuries they sustained as a result of yesterday’s immigration enforcement action”.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin clarified, “Although he was not being pursued by law enforcement, this individual climbed up to the roof of a green house and fell 30 feet (10 meters). (Customs and Border Patrol) immediately called a medivac to the scene to get him care as quickly as possible.”
The DHS reported that the US immigration raid arrested 200 undocumented migrants and rescued 10 children from “potential exploitation, forced labor, and human trafficking”. Glass House Brands, the farm’s owner, stated it “never knowingly violated applicable hiring practices and does not and has never employed minors.”
The raid triggered protests, with over 500 individuals attempting to disrupt operations, leading to four US citizens facing charges for assaulting or resisting officers. Tear gas was deployed against protesters, some of whom threw projectiles at law enforcement vehicles. A $50,000 reward was offered for information on an individual who allegedly fired at officers.
President Donald Trump, posting on Truth Social, called protesters “slimeballs,” stating, “I am giving Total Authorisation for ICE to protect itself, just like they protect the Public,” and authorized arrests of those attacking Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Meanwhile, District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong issued a court order halting “roving patrols” in Los Angeles, citing race-based arrests without probable cause, such as targeting individuals for speaking Spanish or having an accent.
The US immigration raid has intensified tensions, with California Governor Gavin Newsom criticizing the deployment of National Guard troops to quell protests, which he deemed unnecessary. Saul Munoz, a 43-year-old Colombian whose son was detained, said, “I just want to know how he’s doing. Bring him back to me and if it’s time for us to leave, we’ll leave. The truth is the American dream is no longer the American dream.”
