U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal has been accused of inciting violence against an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) employee during a law enforcement operation at a marijuana facility in Carpinteria, California. The incident occurred as federal immigration authorities executed a criminal search warrant.
During the operation, Rep. Carbajal allegedly revealed the identity of an ICE Public Affairs Specialist to a crowd of rioters by showing them the employee's business card. This act reportedly led to the ICE employee being attacked and injured, requiring emergency medical attention for lacerations caused by a rock.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized Rep. Carbajal's actions, stating, “The actions by Representative Carbajal are downright un-American. He dares to claim that his actions were simply congressional oversight, but doxing ICE personnel and inciting a mob of rioters to attack law enforcement is NOT oversight—it's abominable.”
The operation resulted in the arrest of 361 individuals who were in the country illegally and the rescue of 14 children from potential exploitation, forced labor, and human trafficking. During this time, officers faced aggression from approximately 500 rioters who threw rocks and other objects.
Some arrested individuals had significant criminal records including offenses such as rape, kidnapping, serial burglary, attempted rape, attempted child molestation, DUI, and hit-and-run.
The investigation into immigration violations and potential child labor abuses continues with further information pending release.
