The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is defending recent immigration enforcement operations in California, including raids on marijuana farms, after backlash from Democratic leaders such as Governor Gavin Newsom. The controversy follows a high-profile raid at a cannabis facility in Ventura, where ICE and CBP agents reportedly rescued eight unaccompanied migrant children allegedly forced into labor, raising concerns about human trafficking and child labor violations. DHS highlighted the broader issue of the Biden administration’s handling of over 300,000 unaccompanied minors, claiming many have been trafficked or exploited.
In response to criticism, DHS questioned why children were working in such conditions, directly addressing Newsom on social media. A viral post from the agency accused California leaders of failing to protect vulnerable minors and suggested that local policies may be enabling child exploitation within the state’s cannabis industry.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump weighed in on the situation, granting ICE agents “total authorization” to protect themselves after protesters allegedly threw rocks and bricks at federal officers during the raids. Trump condemned the violence and authorized law enforcement to arrest any assailants using whatever means necessary, citing a need to restore law and order and defend federal personnel.
Authorities also addressed reports of a worker’s death during one of the raids. DHS clarified that the individual was not in custody and was not being pursued by agents. According to officials, the man fell 30 feet from a greenhouse roof while fleeing, prompting CBP to immediately call for emergency medical assistance.
Border Czar Tom Homan and other federal officials have pushed back against what they describe as dangerous political rhetoric targeting ICE. Homan warned that inflammatory comparisons and criticism from lawmakers are putting agents at risk. As tensions escalate between state and federal authorities, the spotlight remains on the exploitation of migrant children and the growing divide over immigration enforcement tactics.
