CBP Raids Marijuana Farm, Uncovers Unaccompanied Migrant Children Working
On July 10, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents, supported by the National Guard, conducted raids on two Glass House Farms cannabis facilities in Camarillo and Carpinteria, California. The operations, executed with criminal search warrants, targeted illegal employment practices at the state-licensed marijuana farms, which are considered illegal under federal law. During the Camarillo raid, CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott reported that agents discovered 10 undocumented juveniles, eight of whom were unaccompanied, working at the facility. The farm is now under investigation for potential child labor violations.
The raids sparked significant unrest, with hundreds of protesters clashing with federal agents in Camarillo. Protesters blocked roads, prompting agents to deploy tear gas and less-than-lethal rounds to disperse the crowd. Five individuals were hospitalized, and four others were treated on-site for tear gas exposure. A video captured by ABC7 News appeared to show a protester firing a weapon at federal agents, leading to an FBI investigation and a $50,000 reward for information on the suspect.
Glass House Farms issued a statement confirming compliance with the search warrants and promising updates. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom, questioning why children were working at the facility. Newsom condemned the violence but faced backlash for his response, with some accusing him of deflecting responsibility.
The discovery of unaccompanied minors has intensified scrutiny of labor practices at cannabis farms and raised concerns about child welfare and exploitation. DHS’s ongoing child welfare initiative, launched in February 2025, aims to protect unaccompanied migrant children from abuse and trafficking, highlighting systemic issues in vetting processes for sponsors.
This incident has fueled debates over immigration enforcement, with local officials like Camarillo City Councilmember Dr. Martita Martinez-Bravo warning of economic impacts on agriculture due to labor shortages. Meanwhile, federal authorities, including President Trump’s border czar Tom Homan, emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for interference with enforcement operations.