A large-scale Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid at Glass House Farms in Carpinteria has ignited outrage in the community and prompted swift action by the City Council. The raid, which also drew the involvement of the National Guard, led to the arrests of over 200 individuals across two locations, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
In Carpinteria, the raids were met by more than 100 peaceful protestors who were dispersed with smoke bombs and stun grenades. The incident, which has been widely criticized by residents and officials, has left the community reeling.
In response, the Carpinteria City Council convened an emergency session on Thursday evening to address the fallout from the raid and widespread community concerns. The meeting was attended by an overflow crowd of angry and frustrated residents, who packed City Hall to share their outrage over the ICE activity and to voice their solidarity with the local immigrant community.
Public speakers called the raids “fascist” and condemned ICE and the Trump administration for their role in what they described as illegal federal immigration enforcement.
Council Actions and Financial Support Approved
During the emergency meeting, the City Council passed three key motions:
- A Proclamation Opposing ICE Activity: The council issued a statement outlining Carpinteria’s stance against recent federal immigration enforcement actions.
- Allocation of Emergency Funds: The council approved $5,000 from the city’s General Fund to support local nonprofit organizations aiding those directly affected by the raids. These groups are providing legal assistance, emergency services, and resources for impacted families.
- Future Response Planning: The city directed staff to develop further actions the city could take to support the community in the wake of ICE activity. Criteria for selecting which nonprofits will receive funding will be determined at a later meeting.
“This is incredibly important—to hold this meeting, to listen to the community, what’s important to them, and show them we are listening and working hard to solve this issue,” said 1st District County Supervisor Roy Lee, also a Carpinteria resident and business owner.
Carpinteria Vice Mayor Mónica Solórzano, who was also present at the protest earlier in the day, reportedly suffered a scrape after being knocked down by a flashbang, or stun grenade, during the confrontation. Solórzano expressed her resolve during the emergency meeting, emphasizing the city’s duty to protect its residents.
Disputed Claims and Ongoing Investigations
The raids took place at Glass House Farms’ locations in Carpinteria and Camarillo. DHS and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) claim to have found 10 undocumented minors working on the property in Camarillo
“Yesterday, Glass House Brands received immigration and naturalization warrants. As per the law, we verified that the warrants were valid and we complied. Workers were detained and we are assisting to provide them legal representation,” the company stated on social media. “Glass House has never knowingly violated applicable hiring practices and does not and has never employed minors. We do not expect this to affect operations moving forward. We will provide additional details when applicable.”
Graham Farrar, the owner of Glass House Farms, expressed concern for his employees and refuted claims of knowingly violating labor or hiring laws. In a social media statement, he said, “Workers were detained, and we are assisting to provide them legal representation. Glass House has never knowingly violated applicable hiring practices and does not and has never employed minors.”
Community Outrage and Support for Immigrants
Public comments during the council meeting demonstrated overwhelming support for Carpinteria’s immigrant community. “Immigrants make this country and this community great,” one resident passionately stated. Another attendee condemned the raids and federal actions, calling them “disgusting” and labeling the situation as “fascism.”
The raid and the community’s response have become a flashpoint in Carpinteria, highlighting the tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement in California. As city officials continue to work on long-term solutions, their short-term actions reaffirm the community’s commitment to standing behind its immigrant residents.
Related Articles
https://www.edhat.com/news/200-arrested-in-ice-raids-at-local-marijuana-farms-one-person-died-with-several-others-arrested-and-injured/
https://www.edhat.com/news/update-ice-raids-glass-house-farms-in-carpinteria-with-national-guard-prompting-large-protest/
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JAMES – “And they will not arrest criminals who are doing your bidding.”
Which criminals?
Ag has been abusing illegal immigrants for many decades. Newsom’s CA weed project is currently big part of that. You reap what you sow.
If you’re so against this, why do support harassing and detaining (and possibly killing) the vulnerable workers you’re so “concerned” about? If they’re being exploited, why should they have to be harmed while the white farm owners and other employers of undocumented workers go home free?
You’re missing the whole presidential order purpose. They should next time , just have’scatapulted Salud over the front line, then do the same with Das
Please refrain from commenting while intoxicated.
GIZMO – I’m not sure you have any idea what’s going on. You and James been getting spun lately?
So in your psychotic world, if ranch owners are taking advantage of illegal immigrants it’s perfectly okay for invading masked thugs to harass, arrest and detain anyone who looks like they might be abused Ag workers.
Brilliant.