Feds Raids Cannabis Farm in Ventura County

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Federal Immigration Raids Spark Protests and Controversy in Ventura County

Federal immigration agents conducted a series of raids in Ventura County on Thursday, leading to a tense standoff between law enforcement and immigrant rights advocates. The incident took place near Glass House Farms, a large cannabis greenhouse in Camarillo, which became the focal point of the operation.

Videos shared on social media showed a significant number of agents using less-lethal ammunition against a crowd that had gathered at the site. According to an Instagram post by the 805 Immigration Coalition, the event was not just a cannabis-related raid but a broader immigration enforcement action. Activists reported that individuals working at the facility, regardless of their citizenship status, were detained during the operation.

Angelmarie Taylor, an activist with the 805 Immigration Coalition, emphasized the emotional impact of the raid. She noted that many of the workers at Glass House Farms are family members and friends, highlighting the community’s deep connection to the business. “What we heard was this was not a cannabis raid but an immigration raid,” she said, underscoring the confusion and concern among local residents.

Approximately 500 people gathered to protest the raid, according to Taylor. Marc Cohodes, an investor and well-known short-seller, criticized the government’s decision to target what he described as a legal and highly regulated business. He pointed out that Glass House Farms is the largest cannabis cultivator in the world and pays substantial excise taxes to the state of California. Cohodes also mentioned that the company is run by Kyle Kazan, an ex-cop who adheres to strict regulations and has supported President Trump.

The raid resulted in injuries to as many as 14 individuals, who were taken to hospitals. Aerial footage from news helicopters captured images of workers sitting near a warehouse, with federal agents stationed nearby. Protesters blocked roads leading to the farm, and at one point, agents drove through the fields. Multiple ambulances were seen entering and exiting the facility.

Sarah Armstrong, outreach chair with Americans for Safe Access, reported that Homeland Security and the U.S. National Guard were present at the scene, using tear gas and rubber bullets against protesters. She noted that it was unclear whether officials presented a search warrant to the facility’s operators.

Lucas Zucker, co-executive director of Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), stated that his organization had staff on the ground during the raid. However, they were instructed to leave when agents began deploying tear gas. Zucker described the use of rubber bullets and tear gas on a small group of community members in a remote agricultural area as unusual. He added that there was no credible evidence of any threat to the agents.

Glass House Farms issued a statement on X, confirming that ICE officials had visited the facility and that the company fully complied with the search warrants. The statement provided no further details.

Zucker noted that Ventura County had experienced a decline in worksite raids after a surge in June, when community members actively patrolled farmlands. Recently, reports of raids have shifted to more suburban areas, such as Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks. This raid marked the first major workplace raid in the region since then.

Oxnard Mayor Luis McArthur addressed the situation, stating that he was in communication with emergency services to ensure safety personnel were available if needed. He expressed concern for employees of the facility, many of whom may be from Oxnard, and highlighted the need to protect their well-being amid the high temperatures.

McArthur also commented on the broader implications of the raids, noting that the actions by ICE appear increasingly aggressive and insensitive to the community’s needs. He pledged to work with state officials to explore legal options to address these activities.

As the situation continues to develop, more updates are expected.

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