Farmworker Critically Injured in Controversial Federal Immigration Raid
Farmworker Critically Injured in Controversial Federal Immigration Raid
A farmworker at a Southern California cannabis farm is in critical condition following injuries sustained during a chaotic immigration raid by federal officers, local officials confirmed. Jaime Alanis Garcia is currently hospitalized at Ventura County Medical Center, battling severe injuries including a broken neck, broken skull, and a severed artery, according to his family. He is reportedly on life support.
The incident, which occurred during an operation by federal agents at a Camarillo grow house, has drawn sharp criticism. The United Farm Workers (UFW) initially stated Garcia, an employee of Glass House Farms, died after falling approximately 30 feet. UFW President Teresa Romero condemned the actions, stating, “These violent and cruel federal actions terrorize American communities, disrupt the American food supply chain, threaten lives and separate families.”
Immigration officials, however, provided a different account, asserting Garcia was not in federal custody at the time of the fall. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, “Although he was not being pursued by law enforcement, this individual climbed up to the roof of a green house and fell 30 feet. CBP immediately called a medivac to the scene to get him care as quickly as possible.”
The raid also saw federal agents deploying less-lethal weapons and tear gas against protesters gathered outside. George Retes, a disabled U.S. Army veteran and security guard at the facility, was reportedly pepper-sprayed and arrested despite complying with officers. His wife, Guadalupe Torres, recounted that officers smashed his window before deploying pepper spray. Retes faces a hearing on Monday.
Further controversy arose at a Carpinteria cultivation center owned by Glass House Farms, where manager Edgar Rodriguez, a U.S. citizen, claims he was assaulted and handcuffed after repeatedly asking unidentified officers to identify themselves and provide a warrant. Aerial footage from local news outlets captured farm equipment being loaded onto tow trucks and individuals being detained in handcuffs, highlighting the intense nature of the federal operation.
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