Over 300 individuals were detained in a major ICE raid at a cannabis farm in Ventura County, California — the largest of Trump’s second term — including one man with a disturbing criminal background. Authorities say the operation, carried out at Glass House Farms, led to the arrest of 319 undocumented immigrants and the rescue of 14 children from suspected forced labor or trafficking.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the figures and emphasized the children’s protection as a top priority. Among those arrested was a convicted felon with past offenses for attempted child molestation, kidnapping, and rape. He was reportedly working alongside minors, one as young as 14.
The children, reportedly from Mexico and Honduras, are now in protective custody while immigration officials review the records of all detainees.
Glass House Farms is now under federal scrutiny for potential child labor violations. The company’s president, Graham Farrar — a known political donor to both Democrats and Republicans — is facing growing criticism, particularly due to his past support for Governor Gavin Newsom.
The raid turned violent when protesters confronted federal agents, leading to physical altercations and one demonstrator allegedly firing a weapon. Tear gas was used to disperse the crowd. One worker died during the chaos after falling from a greenhouse roof.
In response, former President Trump issued a strong statement on Truth Social, condemning the violence against ICE agents and authorizing law enforcement to take all necessary measures to protect themselves in future operations. He demanded stricter enforcement and immediate arrests in any future incidents of assault on federal officers.