Minors among suspected illegal immigrants detained after clash at California farm

July 12, 2025

Federal immigration agents conducted raids at Glass House marijuana farms in California, detaining approximately 200 people including 10 minors and reportedly causing critical injuries to some workers. During the operation in Ventura County, clashes erupted between protesters and federal agents, with tear gas deployed and allegations that a protester fired a weapon at agents. The Department of Homeland Security characterized the situation as potentially involving child labor violations, human trafficking, or smuggling, while Glass House denied knowingly violating hiring practices or employing minors.

Who is affected

Farm workers at Glass House marijuana farms in California
Approximately 200 detained individuals including 10 minors (with the youngest being 14)
Immigrant communities in Southern California
U.S. citizens who reportedly remain unaccounted for
Families of those detained (including a teenage boy whose mother was taken)
Glass House, the marijuana farm company

What action is being taken

Federal immigration agents are conducting raids at marijuana farms in California
National Guard troops and U.S. Marines are supporting federal immigration agents in Southern California
Glass House is providing legal representation to detained workers
United Farm Workers (UFW) is reporting on worker injuries and advocating for affected individuals
Federal officials are offering a $50,000 reward to find the person who allegedly fired a weapon at agents
Department of Homeland Security is investigating potential child labor violations

Why it matters

The raids resulted in critical injuries to farm workers and mass detentions
The operation revealed potential child labor violations with 10 minors found working at the facility
The enforcement actions have created fear in immigrant communities, with many people hiding in their homes and afraid to go to work or shop
The incident highlights tensions around immigration enforcement policies under the Trump administration
The situation raises questions about labor practices in California's legal marijuana industry
The raids are taking place despite marijuana being legal and regulated in California

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC