A man who allegedly opened fire on federal agents during a chaotic raid of a cannabis farm in Southern California remains on the run, sparking a $50,000 federal reward for information that could lead to his conviction.
According to Breitbart, Federal agents were conducting an immigration enforcement operation near Camarillo when a protest turned violent, and a suspect began shooting at law enforcement officers before fleeing the scene.
The incident happened on July 10, just after 2:26 p.m. on Laguna Road, between Wood Road and Las Posas Road. Federal officers from multiple agencies were carrying out a workplace raid at Glass House Farms, billed as the world’s largest marijuana cultivation site, located outside Camarillo. The operation involved personnel from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Border Patrol, and National Guard units.
Shooting Occurs After Protest Escalates
Tensions escalated after authorities discovered child labor violations at the site, including ten underage migrants, eight of whom were unaccompanied minors. The findings set off a protest that quickly grew heated as demonstrators confronted law enforcement teams at the scene.
According to eyewitness reports and authorities, federal officers deployed tear gas canisters in response to increasingly aggressive behavior by protesters. That prompted some individuals to begin throwing rocks at the agents. The situation worsened when an unidentified male suspect pulled a handgun and started firing multiple shots in the direction of law enforcement personnel.
The act of violence was captured on live video by the aircrew of an ABC7 News helicopter flying overhead. Despite the visual evidence, authorities have not yet been able to identify or locate the man responsible for the shots. He reportedly fled the area immediately after the gunfire.
Federal Leaders Condemn the Violence
U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Bill Essayli, called attention to the seriousness of the situation in a public statement. “FBI has issued a $50,000 award for information leading to the conviction of an Unknown Subject who appeared to fire a pistol at Federal Law Enforcement Officers near Camarillo,” he said.
“The shooting occurred on 7/10/25 at approximately 2:26 p.m. on Laguna Rd between Wood Rd and Las Posas Rd,” Essayli added, confirming the location and time of the attack. U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks strongly denounced the attack in his message, stating, “Violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated. There will be serious consequences.”
Political Tensions Arise Over Raid
The federal operation and subsequent discovery of underage laborers quickly drew political criticism. California Governor Gavin Newsom spoke out against the raid shortly after news broke of the children working at the cannabis facility.
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott characterized the situation dramatically, saying, “This is Newsom’s California.” The comment appeared to reflect growing tensions between state and federal authorities over immigration policies and enforcement tactics. The raid itself was part of a broader effort to crack down on workplace violations, particularly involving undocumented labor. The presence of migrant minors—including some who arrived in the United States without parents or guardians—intensified already-high emotions at the scene.
Suspect Remains at Large Amid Search
Law enforcement continues to search for the suspect responsible for the shooting. As of Saturday night, the man’s name and background remain unknown, and his motives are still unclear. Despite video footage, authorities have not reported any progress in locating him.
Concerns about the use of child labor on large-scale marijuana farms have been growing, particularly as legal cannabis markets expand across the country. The presence of ten undocumented migrant juveniles, including eight without adult supervision, raised further alarm among advocates and federal agencies. The discovery has not been officially connected to the estimated 300,000 unaccompanied minors who have reportedly gone missing during the last four years of the ongoing border and immigration crisis under the Biden administration.
Officials Call On Public for Leads
Federal officials are urging anyone with information about the identity or location of the shooter to come forward. The $50,000 reward is intended to encourage the public to aid the investigation by providing tips that might lead to a conviction.
The FBI is overseeing the investigative process in coordination with other federal agencies involved in the July 10 operation. No injuries have been reported as a result of the gunfire, but authorities emphasized that the risk to personnel was severe. Officials said the use of violence during enforcement operations not only endangers law enforcement but also undermines legitimate protest efforts. The investigation remains ongoing, and updates will be provided as new information emerges.