NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF THE ARTICLE.
California Governor Gavin Newsom launched a fierce verbal attack on President Donald Trump following a controversial Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid at a cannabis farm in Ventura County. The operation, which took place on July 10 at Glass House Farms in Camarillo, ignited protests and raised serious questions after video footage showed tear gas dispersing crowds—including children—near the farm.
ICE has stepped up raids aggressively since President Trump resumed office in January, deporting hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants across the country. On this occasion, dozens of farmworkers were detained during the early morning operation, prompting a wave of outrage.
Sharing his reaction on Twitter, Newsom did not hold back:
“Kids running from tear gas, crying on the phone because their mother was just taken from the fields. Trump calls me ‘Newscum’ — but he’s the real scum.”
The video, first broadcast by KTLA 5, shows protestors fleeing white and green smoke, presumably from tear gas, while agents in full tactical gear—camouflage, helmets, and gas masks—stood firm.
However, a major concern quickly emerged online: Glass House Farms is a legal cannabis grower, and footage suggested that children were present during the raid. According to the Ventura County Star, the farm operates both cannabis and traditional vegetable crops like tomatoes and cucumbers.
Social media users questioned why children were present at a marijuana cultivation site, sparking intense debate:
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“Why are there children working on a weed farm Gavin?”
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“Care to explain why children were present at a grow operation?”
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“Do children normally work in weed fields in California?”
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“What are kids doing in a marijuana grow field?”
While the legal status of Glass House’s operations is clear, the presence of children near the site has drawn scrutiny from concerned residents and critics alike.
The raid also took place simultaneously at Glass House’s second farm location in Carpinteria, about 50 miles northwest in Santa Barbara County. Online images showed detained individuals seated with their hands bound, though it remains unclear if these were workers or protestors.
Oxnard Mayor Luis McArthur weighed in, condemning ICE’s approach:
“It is becoming increasingly apparent that the actions taken by ICE are bold and aggressive, demonstrating insensitivity towards the direct impact on our community. These actions are causing unnecessary distress and harm. I remain committed to working alongside our Attorney General and the Governor’s office to explore potential legal avenues to address these activities.”
The incident highlights the growing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local communities in California, especially as raids target sectors employing undocumented labor.
Requests for comment have been sent to both The White House and Glass House Farms.
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