Camarillo’s Glass House Farms: Today’s Raid, Reactions & Impacts

On Thursday, July 10, 2025, Glass House Farms’ Camarillo greenhouse—long heralded as the largest cannabis cultivation site in the U.S.—became the epicenter of a high-stakes federal immigration raid. The operation, led by ICE agents and backed by U.S. National Guard troops, unleashed tear gas and flash-bang devices. Hundreds of workers, community advocates, and bystanders responded with protest. The enterprise has since been scrutinized for detaining undocumented workers, including juveniles, and for alleged child labor violations .

What Unfolded During the Raid

A chaotic scene with split-second intensity

By 10:30 a.m., federal vehicles sealed off Laguna Road near the 645 Laguna Road facility. Witnesses report that tear gas and smoke canisters were fired at protesters chanting and demanding accountability. Videos show agents advancing through the fields, while demonstrators attempted to block entrances. Emergency services treated three individuals at the site; medical aid was provided regardless of immigration status.

Numbers and detentions

• 100+ farmworkers reportedly detained across Carpinteria and Camarillo operations.

• 10 undocumented minors, including 8 unaccompanied juveniles, allegedly found on-site.

• 3 individuals hospitalized due to effects from tear gas or smoke exposure.

• At least one man seen firing a weapon near agents, triggering a federal reward offer of up to $50,000.

Why Glass House Farms?

Glass House Brands, based in Camarillo, is a key player in California’s cannabis market. With its sprawling 5.5‑million‑sq‑ft greenhouse—converted from a former tomato facility—it grows cannabis alongside vegetables. The 2025 expansion includes using up to 1.5 million sq ft specifically for cannabis, with further scale-up planned .

Public statements indicate the ICE raids were prompted by allegations of undocumented hiring and potential child labor violations, with warrants executed after a failed June attempt. The operation aligns with broader federal immigration enforcement strategies targeting agricultural hotspots.

Raid Overview: At‑a‑Glance

Reactions From the Field

1. Community advocates and immigrant groups: Called the raid "militarized" and decried the use of tactical gear and chemical munitions .

2. Local officials:

   • Ventura County Fire Dept emphasized its neutrality in providing medical care.

   • Congressman Salud Carbajal condemned federal obstruction and lack of transparency.

3. Farm management: Glass House claimed full legal compliance, noted the warrant issuance followed aborted attempts in June.

4. Immigrant rights organizations: Groups like CAUSE and 805 UndocuFund notified communities for legal aid support.

The Broader Ripples of the Raid

• Labor market effects: Detention of roughly 100 workers may strain daily operations and impact local food/cannabis supply.

• Public health concerns: Tear gas effects draw scrutiny over health risks—especially when minors and families are involved.

• Political tension: Town halls, inquiries, and oversight requests have surged from local and federal representatives.

• Legal fallout: Anticipated lawsuits may probe labor rights, use of force, and warrant scope.

Breaking down possible long-term implications:

• Operational disruption: Glass House’s large-scale cannabis and vegetable production may slow, affecting supply and county tax revenue.

• Regulatory backlash: Federal enforcement may push state officials to revisit licensing, labor compliance, and greenhouse permitting.

• Public trust erosion: The militarized nature of the raid may fuel public distrust in federal-agency engagement with local communities.

• Policy reassessment: With California's heavily undocumented farmworker base, more discussions on labor-immigration policy are expected.

Final Thoughts

The dramatic Camarillo raid shines a spotlight on several intersecting issues:

• Immigration enforcement versus agricultural necessity

• State‑licensed operations under federal scrutiny

• Civic displacement and family separation risks

• Rising tensions between local communities and federal agents

Glass House Farms is now under intense national and local observation—amid activism, political friction, and legal concerns. With this raid unfolding amid a wider federal strategy targeting undocumented workers in agriculture, all eyes are on what comes next—for the detained, the community, and the future of large-scale cannabis farming in California.