A federal immigration raid on July 10 at Glass House Farms in Camarillo, California has sparked nationwide outrage. The ICE operation detained dozens of undocumented workers and triggered protests, during which tear gas was used—despite children being present. Footage of the raid went viral, raising questions about the militarized tactics used, the presence of minors at a licensed cannabis facility, and potential violations of child labor and cannabis laws.

Governor Gavin Newsom publicly condemned former President Trump, calling him “scum,” and accused federal agents of traumatizing children. Critics, however, turned attention back on Newsom, asking why children were at a marijuana operation during work hours. Glass House Farms, which grows both cannabis and vegetables, now faces scrutiny for possible regulatory breaches.

The incident has reignited debates about immigration enforcement, cannabis regulation, federal vs. state power, and the lack of protections for immigrant laborers—especially children. Local leaders called the raid heavy-handed and disruptive to the community. Meanwhile, legal experts warn that overlapping cannabis, labor, and immigration laws create regulatory blind spots.

The raid, once just another enforcement action, has evolved into a national flashpoint highlighting flaws in enforcement strategies and the need to better safeguard vulnerable populations.