ICE faces gunfire during rescue operation at California marijuana sites

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Kristi Noem Secretary of Department of Homeland Security | Department of Homeland Security

ICE faces gunfire during rescue operation at California marijuana sites

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Brave agents faced gunfire as they executed criminal search warrants at a marijuana facility where they rescued at least 10 migrant children and arrested approximately 200 illegal aliens.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a statement after U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers encountered gunfire during operations at two marijuana grow sites in California. The shooter remains at large.

On July 10, 2025, federal law enforcement officers carried out criminal warrant operations at marijuana grow sites in Carpinteria and Camarillo. During the operation, at least 10 migrant children were rescued from potential exploitation, forced labor, and human trafficking. Federal officers also arrested approximately 200 illegal aliens from both sites.

During the operation, more than 500 rioters attempted to disrupt proceedings. Four U.S. citizens are being criminally processed for assaulting or resisting officers. Rioters damaged vehicles, and one violent agitator fired a gun at law enforcement officers. The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) is offering $50,000 for information leading to the arrest of this violent rioter.

The individual was caught on video firing what appeared to be a pistol at federal law enforcement. Despite the heroic actions of law enforcement to rescue these children, some politicians are defending rioters and criticizing the men and women in uniform.

“At the California marijuana facilities, ICE and CBP law enforcement rescued at least 10 migrant children from what looks like exploitation, forced child labor, and potentially human trafficking or smuggling. Our law enforcement also arrested nearly 200 illegal aliens,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “During the operation, a violent agitator fired a gun at our brave officers. While ICE and CBP officers are being assaulted by rioters and dodging bullets to save children, Sanctuary politicians are demonizing ICE and CBP. We will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law anyone who assaults or doxes federal law enforcement.”

The investigation into immigration and potential child labor violations is ongoing. Information will be released as it becomes available.

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