The Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) issued a nationwide alert on July 11 following a violent confrontation between migrants and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at a cannabis farm in the Camarillo area of Ventura County, California. The agency offered a $50,000 reward for an unknown subject who, according to authorities, “appeared” to point a gun at federal officers during a mass protest.
During the operation, which also took place in the Carpinteria area (Santa Barbara County), dozens of farm workers – among them numerous Mexicans – were detained while a federal warrant was executed at the cultivation site, which operates under a state license for cannabis production.
Tear gas, riots and injuries
Migratory actions did not take place peacefully.
Hundreds of protesters, mostly farm workers and migrant rights advocates, tried to stop the operation.
In response, ICE agents and support personnel used tear gas to disperse the crowd, creating scenes of chaos.
At least five people were injured during the clash.
One of them – a young migrant – fell from a greenhouse structure and was hospitalized in critical condition.
Videos recorded by local media show tense moments where workers can be seen running while armed agents throw tear gas shells.
FBI goes into action
Federal prosecutor Bill Essayli posted on his social networks the image of a masked subject.
Security cameras reportedly captured him “appearing to point a gun” at officers.
Although it has not been confirmed at this time whether actual shootings occurred, the FBI classifies him as a federal threat and maintains an active search and reward warrant for information leading to his arrest.
ICE also issued a formal notice of a “shooter on the run,” arguing that agents were executing lawful orders when the conflict broke out.
Mexico responds
The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) confirmed that it activated its assistance protocol after learning that Mexican citizens were among the detainees.
The immigration actions did not unfold peacefully
Through the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard, legal and humanitarian support was deployed to ensure that the Mexican nationals receive adequate representation and that their fundamental rights are respected.
The Foreign Ministry has also reiterated its call to the United States to respect the human rights of migrants, especially those who make a living in the agricultural sector under already difficult conditions.
Increased raids
Buzzy
The incident occurs in the midst of an escalation of immigration operations under the current administration.
Since June 2025, raids in California have increased significantly, especially in rural areas such as Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara.
In the month of June alone, more than 1,600 people were detained for deportation purposes, according to figures from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
