A series of large-scale immigration raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last week at two cannabis farms in Southern California left one worker dead and hundreds detained, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Federal agents conducted simultaneous July 10 raids at Glass House Farms facilities in Camarillo and Carpinteria, both operated by California’s largest licensed cannabis producer. Authorities claim the operations uncovered widespread labor violations, including the detention of 361 undocumented immigrants and the discovery of 14 minors working at the facilities.
Tragically, the raids turned deadly in Camarillo when 57-year-old Jaime Alanís Garcia, a farmworker, fell 30 feet through a greenhouse roof while allegedly attempting to flee from federal agents. Garcia’s family confirmed his death in a public statement released Saturday.
Death During Chaos
According to eyewitnesses, confusion and panic erupted as ICE agents stormed the Camarillo grow site early Wednesday morning. Workers reportedly scattered in various directions, some climbing structures or attempting to hide in nearby fields. It was during this chaos that Garcia fell through a greenhouse roof and suffered fatal injuries.
“He was terrified,” a fellow worker, who asked to remain anonymous, told reporters. “We didn’t know what was happening. We were all just trying to get away.”
Family members and local advocacy groups are calling for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Garcia’s death, arguing the aggressive nature of the raid created dangerous conditions for those onsite.
Alleged Child Labor Violations and Mass Detentions
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said that in addition to detaining 361 undocumented individuals, agents also identified 14 minors employed at the farms. The discovery has triggered a federal investigation into Glass House Farms for potential child labor violations.
In a statement issued shortly after the raids, Glass House Farms maintained that it has “never knowingly violated applicable hiring practices and does not and has never employed minors.”
The company also indicated that it was cooperating fully with federal authorities while reaffirming its commitment to ethical labor practices. “We take these allegations seriously and will conduct an internal review to ensure our contractors and partners are following the law,” the statement read.
Protests and Arrests
Protests broke out at both raid locations shortly after the raids began. Demonstrators attempted to block law enforcement access to the properties and voiced outrage at what they described as inhumane tactics and a lack of transparency.
Four U.S. citizens were arrested during the protests for allegedly assaulting or resisting officers, DHS officials confirmed.
Adding further tension to the situation, the FBI announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of an individual who allegedly fired a pistol at federal officers near Camarillo during the operation. No gunshot-related injuries were reported, but federal agents described the incident as a “serious threat” to law enforcement personnel.
Fallout and Calls for Reform
The raids have sparked a wider debate about labor practices in California’s regulated cannabis industry. While the state requires all operators to meet strict labor and employment standards, critics argue that enforcement remains inconsistent and that vulnerable workers are often exploited under the radar.
“This tragedy highlights the urgent need for labor protections and immigration reform, especially within emerging industries like cannabis,” said a spokesperson for the Coalition for Humane Immigration Policies. “Raids like these only deepen the fear and instability experienced by immigrant communities.”
As of Monday, DHS said it is continuing its investigation into Glass House Farms and will release further details as the case progresses.
Garcia’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses and is calling for community support and accountability.
