The Trump administration is pushing back after California Governor Gavin Newsom sharply criticized a recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid on two marijuana farms in Ventura County. Newsom, a likely 2028 presidential contender, condemned the operation, claiming it traumatized families and unfairly targeted migrant workers. In a post on X, he wrote, “Trump calls me ‘Newscum’ — but he’s the real scum,” alongside a video showing people fleeing as federal agents deployed tear gas.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin responded strongly, accusing Newsom of defending violent criminals. She cited the arrest of one undocumented worker during the raid who had prior convictions for kidnapping, attempted rape, and attempted child molestation. McLaughlin stated the individual was working at the same site where nine unaccompanied children were found, calling the situation “depraved.”
The coordinated raids took place around 8:30 a.m. at Glass House Farms in Camarillo and another facility in Carpinteria. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott reported that agents discovered 10 undocumented minors at the Camarillo site, eight of whom were unaccompanied. DHS emphasized that the operation exposed possible violations of child labor laws and raised concerns about human trafficking.
Newsom’s public criticism fueled further responses from federal officials. The DHS X account replied directly to the governor, asking, “Why are there children working at a marijuana facility, Gavin?” The agency also referenced the national crisis of missing and exploited migrant children, pointing to systemic failures in border enforcement and labor protections.
Protests erupted during the raids, culminating in road blockades that led officers to deploy tear gas and less-lethal rounds. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli confirmed several arrests for interference and later posted a video showing a man allegedly firing at federal agents. The FBI has since offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect involved in the shooting.
