A farmworker died after a raid by US immigration agents at a cannabis farm in California, where hundreds of workers were arrested. The raids, conducted at two cannabis farms in Carpinteria and Camarillo, resulted in the detention of approximately 200 immigrants suspected of being in the country illegally. Jaime Alanis, a worker at Glass House Farms, fell 30 feet during the raid and sustained fatal injuries, including broken hands, ribs, and a broken neck.
According to the United Farm Workers advocacy group, Alanis had worked at Glass House Farms picking tomatoes for 10 years. “We tragically can confirm that a farm worker has died of injuries they sustained as a result of yesterday’s immigration enforcement action,” the group stated. During the raid, Alanis called his family in Mexico, saying he was hiding from authorities. His brother-in-law, Juan Duran, reported that Alanis was hospitalized with severe injuries.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the arrest of 200 immigrants and the rescue of at least 10 immigrant children who were potentially at risk of exploitation, forced labor, and human trafficking. Four US citizens were arrested for their role in violent confrontations between agents and protesters. Authorities are offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of another person suspected of firing a gun at federal agents.
“During the operation, more than 500 rioters attempted to disrupt operations. Four US citizens are being criminally processed for assaulting or resisting officers. The rioters damaged vehicles, and one violent agitator fired a gun at law enforcement officers,” the DHS statement said. Protests erupted as demonstrators confronted agents, resulting in at least 12 injuries, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.
Glass House Farms stated that immigration agents held valid warrants and is providing detained workers with legal representation. “Glass House has never knowingly violated applicable hiring practices and does not and has never employed minors,” the company said. However, United Farm Workers claimed that some US citizens who worked at the firm are still unaccounted for.
A federal judge ordered a temporary halt to the Trump administration’s indiscriminate immigration stops and arrests in seven California counties, including Los Angeles. Judge Maame E. Frimpong agreed that “roving patrols” of immigration agents without reasonable suspicion violated the Fourth Amendment, protecting individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures, and the Fifth Amendment, ensuring due process of law. Frimpong directed agents to stop racially profiling people and ordered the federal government to ensure detainees have access to legal counsel.
Shihab Rattansi noted that the case raises questions about the role of ICE agents and the potential for abuse. “[The plaintiffs argue there is] no probable cause to suspect they’re breaking any kind of immigration laws. And we know a lot of people who are citizens are being swept up too,” Rattansi said. The raids have sparked controversy and criticism, with many questioning the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies.