ICE arrests 319 at California cannabis farm, rescues 14 children, and detains a convicted child predator during largest raid of Trump’s second term.

Massive ICE Operation in Ventura County Uncovers Child Exploitation

Federal immigration authorities arrested more than 300 individuals during a large-scale Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid on Thursday at Glass House Farms, a cannabis operation in Ventura County, California. The operation, confirmed by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, marks the largest ICE worksite action of President Trump’s second term and the second-largest in U.S. history.

Noem reported that a total of 319 undocumented immigrants were taken into custody during the raid. Among those apprehended was a convicted child predator with a violent criminal background, including prior convictions for attempted kidnapping, attempted rape, and child molestation. The individual was found working at the farm alongside minors, raising grave concerns about the safety and exploitation of children at the facility.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott highlighted the arrest on X, sharing that the felon was employed at the cannabis farm where at least ten children were also working—one as young as 14. Immigration officials confirmed that the 14 children rescued during the operation are from Mexico and Honduras. Authorities are now investigating potential forced labor, trafficking, and child labor law violations at the facility.

Violent Protests and Tragic Incident During Raid

The massive enforcement action sparked a violent confrontation between ICE agents and protesters. Demonstrators assaulted federal agents, with reports indicating that one individual fired a handgun toward officers as authorities responded with tear gas to disperse the crowd. In the chaos, one worker fell from a 30-foot greenhouse and died during the operation.

Glass House Farms, currently under federal investigation, has ties to both Democratic and Republican political figures. Its co-founder, Graham Farrar, has made campaign contributions across the political spectrum, including a notable donation to California Governor Gavin Newsom in 2018.

President Donald Trump addressed the aftermath of the raid on his Truth Social platform, condemning the violence against law enforcement. "I am giving Total Authorization for ICE to protect itself, just like they protect the Public," Trump wrote. "AUTHORIZATION IMMEDIATELY GRANTED FOR ARREST AND INCARCERATION." The president emphasized that such attacks on officers will not be tolerated and called for immediate action to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The ICE operation in Ventura County highlights ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to crack down on illegal immigration and labor abuses. As investigations continue, officials stress the need for vigilance against child exploitation and trafficking in the agricultural sector, promising stronger enforcement and protective measures moving forward.