Federal agents clash with activists as deportation drive expands into rural areas

A farm worker has died and approximately 200 others have been detained following a U.S. immigration raid on a cannabis nursery in Southern California, according to worker advocacy groups. The operation, which unfolded in Camarillo on Thursday, marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants, extending enforcement into rural agricultural zones.

Federal agents with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), supported by immigration officers, targeted two locations of Glass House Farms as part of the operation. The raid sparked chaos, with agents deploying tear gas and smoke to control dozens of migrant-rights activists who had gathered to protest.

Tragically, one worker, later identified as Jaime Alanis, died on Friday from injuries sustained during the raid. According to Elizabeth Strater of the United Farm Workers, Alanis fell 30 feet from a structure while fleeing the operation. His family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support burial arrangements in Mexico, describing him as their main provider.

DHS claimed responsibility for neither the fall nor the worker’s death, stating Alanis “was not being pursued by law enforcement” and that emergency medical assistance was called immediately.

The raid also resulted in the arrest of roughly 200 individuals who, according to DHS, were in the country without legal status. Ten minors were found on site, and authorities say the facility is now under investigation for possible child labor violations.

In the aftermath, U.S. District Judge Maame Frimpong issued two temporary restraining orders against the administration, blocking immigration authorities from racially profiling individuals and from denying detainees access to legal counsel. The judge cited “a mountain of evidence” showing violations of constitutional rights under the Fourth and Fifth Amendments.

“This administration cannot simply sweep through Latino communities with roving patrols and deny basic legal protections,” Judge Frimpong wrote in her decision.

Legal aid groups have since stepped in to assist families and workers. Angelica Preciado of California Rural Legal Assistance said some workers were coerced into signing voluntary deportation orders before being allowed to contact their families.

DHS denied allegations of misconduct, including claims that detainees were prevented from reaching legal support or were intimidated into deleting evidence of the raid.

Meanwhile, some U.S. citizens caught up in the operation said they were only released after erasing photos and videos from their phones. “These violent and cruel federal actions terrorize our communities, disrupt food production, and separate families,” United Farm Workers President Teresa Romero said in a statement.

The incident has reignited concerns among agricultural groups about the impact of mass deportations on the national food supply chain. Despite some mixed messaging from the administration, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins recently reaffirmed that there would be “no amnesty” for undocumented farm workers—though President Trump has publicly expressed support for allowing them to stay on farms.