The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has provided an update on a recent operation conducted by U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at marijuana grow sites in California. The operation took place on July 10, 2025, targeting locations in Carpinteria and Camarillo.
As part of the operation, federal law enforcement officers executed criminal warrants and rescued at least 14 migrant children from potential exploitation, forced labor, and human trafficking. Ten of these unaccompanied minors have been transferred to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for further care.
Additionally, the operation led to the arrest of at least 361 illegal aliens from both sites. Among those apprehended were individuals with convictions for serious crimes such as rape, child molestation, and kidnapping. Some notable arrests include:
- Santos Alberto Rodriguez-Jacinto from El Salvador, previously arrested for terroristic threats.
- Josefina Lopez-Martinez from Mexico, deported in 1998 and convicted of willful cruelty to a child.
- Jorge Luis Anaya-Garcia from Mexico, arrested for possession with intent to sell narcotics.
- Jose Vasquez-Lopez from Mexico, removed five times from the U.S., convicted of battery.
- Fabian Fernando Antonio-Martinez from Mexico, arrested for felony possession of a firearm.
- Jesus Hernandez-Ramirez from Mexico, previously arrested for indecent exposure.
- Miguel Mejia-Echevearia from El Salvador, involved in a hit-and-run incident.
- Christina Martinez-Modesto from Mexico, arrested for misdemeanor assault and battery.
- Cinthia Paola Cardona-Mendoza from Mexico, arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.
- Adriana Gonzalez-Gonzalez from Mexico, convicted multiple times for burglary and DUI.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated: “During the operation at the marijuana grow sites in California, DHS law enforcement rescued at least 14 children who may have been exploited, forced into labor and trafficked. Ten of those children have now been turned over to HHS.” She added criticism towards politicians and activists who defend "violent criminal illegal aliens over the safety of children and our communities."
