Dozens of ICE agents raided several farms, including Glass House Farms, in Ventura County’s Camarillo on Thursday. A volunteer informed the Los Angeles Times that at least one person was held at gunpoint and several U.S. citizens were detained during the operation. Dramatic videos emerged from the scene, showing smoke grenade-like objects amidst the crowds.
Protests Erupt Amidst Raids
Angel Marie, a member of the 805 Immigration Coalition, reported that approximately 500 people gathered at the farms to protest the raids.
“We have reports that U.S. citizens are being detained,” Marie told the publication on a phone call. “Everyone who was working in the warehouse is now being detained by the federal agents. It’s a giant factory, and a lot of people who live in the area have family who work here; that’s why there is such a large presence out here right now.”
Marie also noted that at least one individual was held at gunpoint after attempting to record the raid with their phone.
Situation Remains Unclear
As of now, ICE has not issued any comments regarding the unfolding situation in Camarillo. Meanwhile, NBC Los Angeles reported a law enforcement SUV struck a street sign while maneuvering around a truck carrying a forklift near the farms.
“It’s a horrible sight. It’s heart-wrenching,” Raquel Sanchez, a volunteer with the Rapid Response Network, shared with the publication. “The whole perimeter is blocked off.”
Sanchez expressed further concern, stating, “(The federal agents) are targeting the hardest-working people. (Farmworkers) don’t have the luxury to miss work. They are just gambling being deported on a daily basis.”
Injuries Reported Amidst the Chaos
According to the Ventura County Star, county fire spokesman Andrew Dowd noted that three patients were transported to hospitals around 2 PM local time, though the extent of their injuries remains undisclosed. Fire crews responded promptly to the scene.
Details of the Operation
At approximately 11:00 AM PT on Thursday, federal agents arrived at Glass House Farms located at 645 Laguna Road, Camarillo, blocking off both Laguna Road and Las Posas Road. The operation involved multiple military-style vehicles, a helicopter, and armed National Guard members in full gear.
A simultaneous raid was conducted at Glass House Farms’ facility at 5601 Casitas Pass Road in Carpinteria.
Tensions Rise as Protesters Confront Agents
Dozens of protesters gathered at the Camarillo site, confronting ICE agents. Video footage captured the deployment of tear gas and smoke bombs, illustrating a tense standoff. Additional clips showed white SUVs, military vehicles, and agents in tactical vests lining Laguna Road.
These raids come amid intensified immigration enforcement under President Trump, despite a prior commitment made in June to protect farmworkers. In previous raids within Ventura County in June, over 30 immigrants were arrested, contributing to labor shortages in the area.
