Federal agents rescue 9 migrant children at cannabis farm tied to Newsom donor as protests, political tensions escalate.

Federal Raids, Child Labor Allegations, and Political Donor Spotlight

Federal immigration authorities raided Glass House Farms in California on Thursday, detaining workers and rescuing nine unaccompanied children who were in the country illegally. The farm, whose president Graham Farrar has donated thousands of dollars to Democratic politicians including Governor Gavin Newsom, is now under federal investigation for child labor violations, Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott confirmed. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the operation also uncovered other illegal hiring practices, drawing renewed scrutiny to the state’s cannabis industry.

The raid sparked heated protests at facilities in Camarillo and Carpinteria. Protesters confronted federal agents, prompting authorities to deploy tear gas and smoke bombs. Military helicopters were seen flying low over the fields to flush out people potentially hiding, and the FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information about a protester suspected of firing a pistol at law enforcement during the clashes. Authorities reported that the law enforcement response followed valid immigration and naturalization warrants, with Glass House Brands issuing a statement affirming compliance with the warrants and pledging legal representation for detained workers.

Donor Networks and Political Reactions

Graham Farrar, the farm’s co-founder and board director, has donated to various California Democrats, including the Santa Barbara County Democratic Central Committee, Rep. Salud Carbajal, and Governor Newsom. State records show a $10,000 donation to Newsom’s campaign in 2018 and additional contributions as recently as 2023. Newsom’s senior advisor responded to questions about the donations by highlighting that company executives have donated to both parties, including Republicans, and noting a lack of any direct donations to Trump’s presidential campaigns.

California public records also detail contributions by Kyle Kazan, another Glass House Brands executive, to both Democratic and Republican candidates. Newsom’s rapid response team emphasized that political donations are common across the spectrum and referenced reporting that Kazan also supports Trump policies on cannabis.

Responding to images circulating on social media of someone firing at federal agents during the raid, Governor Newsom stated, “Of course I condemn any assault on law enforcement.” Newsom also used the incident to contrast state and federal priorities, tweeting, “California prosecutes child exploiters and traffickers. Trump tear-gasses children, rips them from their parents, and deports farmworkers. Priorities.”

Community Concerns and Ongoing Legal Challenges

Local officials, including Oxnard Mayor Luis Mc Arthur, criticized the “bold and aggressive” tactics by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, warning of unnecessary distress and harm in the community. Mc Arthur pledged to work with the state attorney general and the governor to explore legal options. Glass House Brands reiterated that they have never knowingly employed minors or violated hiring laws, and stated that operations are expected to continue while the investigation proceeds. “Our team has been continually on site and we are focused on taking care of our people and our plants,” Farrar wrote on social media.

The investigation remains ongoing as federal authorities review labor practices and pursue leads related to the protest violence. The episode has deepened the political rift in California over immigration enforcement, labor protections, and the role of major donors in shaping public narratives. As legal and political scrutiny intensifies, both the cannabis industry and state leadership face growing pressure to demonstrate accountability and transparency in the wake of federal intervention.