Federal Raids at California Cannabis Farms Spark Violent Clashes and Deepen Industry Crisis
Multiple Agencies Descend on Glass House Farms in Carpinteria and Camarillo, Detaining Workers and Injuring Protesters
California’s cannabis industry was shaken on July 10, 2025, as a coordinated federal raid involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the National Guard, and U.S. Border Patrol targeted two Glass House Farms locations—one in Carpinteria, Santa Barbara County, and another in Camarillo, Ventura County. The early morning raids resulted in the detention of 10 farm workers, serious injuries to at least one worker, and violent confrontations between protestors and federal authorities.
Activists Call for Community Response as Federal Vehicles Flood Cannabis Farms
Shortly after 10 a.m., alerts began circulating from local immigrant rights organizations, including the 805 Immigrant Coalition and 805 UndocuFund, warning that multiple ICE vehicles and armed agents were on the ground at 5601 Casitas Pass Road in Carpinteria. These messages quickly went viral on social media, accompanied by calls for community members to arrive and “protect workers.”
Citizens flooded the scene, unsure of which agencies were involved. Eyewitnesses reported seeing agents in military gear, unmarked uniforms, and armored vehicles, causing confusion over whether ICE, DEA, military forces, or private contractors were conducting the operation.
Protests Escalate into Violence as Agents Deploy Flash Bangs, Smoke Grenades, and Rubber Bullets
As hundreds of protestors gathered outside the Carpinteria facility, tension quickly escalated into chaos. Flash-bang grenades, rubber bullets, and smoke canisters were used by agents attempting to disperse the crowd. Video footage posted by media outlets, including The Today Show, showed agents firing crowd-control weapons and protestors running in panic.
Carpinteria City Vice Mayor Mónica Solórzano condemned the use of force. “The agents felt it was necessary to throw flash-bang and smoke grenades into the crowd, despite the fact that our residents were not being disruptive or violent in any way,” she told Coastal View News.
Tragic Injury to Farmworker Adds to Fallout as Officials Investigate Child Labor Violations
While the protest raged, reports surfaced of a catastrophic injury at one of the Glass House facilities. The Los Angeles Times reported that a farmworker fell several stories from a greenhouse, suffering grave injuries and was transported by ambulance. The individual, whose name has not been released, is not expected to survive. The United Farm Workers union confirmed that the injury was “catastrophic.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) revealed that 10 minors described as “illegal aliens” and eight unaccompanied were found working at the farm. CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott announced the findings on X (formerly Twitter), indicating the farm was under investigation for potential child labor violations.
It remains unclear whether the minors were working as employees or present as part of the protest. The Department of Homeland Security responded to Governor Gavin Newsom’s criticism by asking: “Why are there children working at a marijuana facility, Gavin?”
Glass House Faces Scrutiny as Lawmakers, Labor Leaders, and Advocates Speak Out
The targeted company, Glass House Brands, issued a brief statement via X: “Glass House Farms were visited today by ICE Officials. The company fully complied with agent search warrants and will provide further updates if necessary.”
Glass House, one of California’s largest cannabis operators, cultivates up to 6 million square feet of product and manages 10 retail locations. In its Q1 2025 report, the company reported an 18.4% increase in retail sales year-over-year, outperforming the broader California cannabis market, which saw a 13% decline.
The company’s meteoric rise now faces its greatest challenge yet, with questions swirling around its hiring practices, regulatory compliance, and treatment of farm workers.
U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal, who attempted to access the Carpinteria site and was denied entry, sharply criticized the federal operation.
Protesters Confront Authorities in Camarillo as Reports of Injuries Mount
At the Camarillo Glass House facility, protests similarly erupted in response to the ICE raid. ABC7 reported that one protestor attempted to block a military vehicle by standing in front of it, only to be pushed aside as the vehicle advanced. He later threw a water bottle at the vehicle’s windshield in protest.
The Ventura County Fire Department confirmed that three individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment. The severity of their injuries has not been publicly disclosed.
Camarillo City Councilmember Dr. Martita Martinez-Bravo emphasized the long-term implications of such federal crackdowns: “The agricultural workforce was already struggling. With these tactics, growers will lose workers, food will rot, and communities will suffer.”
Federal Immigration Enforcement Under Trump Administration Draws Backlash
The raids mark a significant escalation in federal enforcement under President Donald Trump’s second administration, with critics drawing direct lines between these operations and the aggressive immigration policies spearheaded by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.
Governor Gavin Newsom released a statement late Thursday, denouncing what he called a campaign of terror. “Stephen Miller’s tactics evoke chaos, fear, and terror within our communities at every turn,” he said. “Trump’s agents continue to detain U.S. citizens and racially profile Americans, ripping families apart to meet arrest quotas.”
Labor and Equity Advocates Highlight Longstanding Industry Problems
Thursday’s events have reignited concerns about the cannabis industry’s long-criticized labor practices. A groundbreaking report released earlier this month by the UCLA Labor Center found that over 85% of California cannabis workers believe stronger health and safety protections are urgently needed. The study also documented wage theft, hazardous working conditions, and systemic racial and gender discrimination.
Now, with federal immigration enforcement intensifying, industry workers—many of whom are immigrants—face new risks to their livelihood and safety.
The 805 Immigrant Coalition, in a video recorded during the protests, questioned the aggressive approach taken by agents: “Are these really criminals?” the narrator asked while filming detained workers and ICE agents at the scene.
California Cannabis at a Crossroads
As the dust settles from the July 10 raids, the California cannabis industry faces a critical turning point. Between increased federal scrutiny, high-profile labor violations, and fierce political backlash, operators may be forced to rethink labor practices and regulatory compliance. Meanwhile, workers, advocates, and lawmakers are calling for greater transparency and protection.
What was once considered the “Green Rush” now bears the weight of militarized enforcement and deep ethical questions.
As investigations continue and legal challenges loom, Thursday’s raids will likely serve as a defining moment for how the cannabis industry—still federally illegal yet rapidly mainstream navigates the intersection of labor rights, immigration enforcement, and regulatory scrutiny in 2025.
