A California farm worker died after a U.S. immigration raid on Glass House Farms, a cannabis nursery, where around 200 undocumented migrants were arrested, according to the United Farm Workers (UFW). The deceased, Jaime Alanis, fell 30 feet during the raid and later died from his injuries. His family is raising funds for his funeral via GoFundMe, calling for justice.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Alanis was not being pursued but climbed a greenhouse and fell. DHS confirmed that agents immediately called for a medical evacuation.
The raid, carried out in Camarillo, Southern California, drew protests and chaotic scenes involving tear gas and smoke canisters. DHS also reported finding 10 migrant minors and is investigating potential child labor violations.
Activist groups, including California Rural Legal Assistance, claim some detainees were coerced into signing deportation orders before contacting families. There are also allegations that U.S. citizens were detained and released only after deleting raid footage from their phones. DHS has denied all allegations of misconduct.
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from using racial profiling in immigration enforcement and from denying detainees access to legal counsel. The court cited constitutional violations under the Fourth and Fifth Amendments and a “mountain of evidence” supporting the claims.
Farm labor advocates warn these aggressive immigration tactics threaten America’s food supply, as nearly half of the agricultural workforce lacks legal status. UFW President Teresa Romero condemned the raid, saying it terrorizes communities and destabilizes essential labor sectors. Despite the backlash, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins reiterated there would be “no amnesty” for undocumented farm workers, though President Trump has indicated support for allowing some to stay.