Federal agents stormed unlawful marijuana grow sites in California's Coachella Valley, arresting approximately 70 illegal immigrants in a massive multi-agency operation. The raid targeted three expansive cannabis operations in Thermal, California.
According to Breitbart, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's Los Angeles Field Division led the operation on Wednesday, taking into custody between 70 and 75 "undocumented migrants" while also arresting one American citizen for allegedly impeding law enforcement activities.
The sweeping raid involved approximately 500 personnel from multiple federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Patrol, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and National Guard troops, forming a comprehensive task force to dismantle the illegal operations.
Massive Illegal Cannabis Operations Uncovered
Federal officials executed search warrants signed by a federal magistrate judge at three enormous marijuana grow sites, one spanning over 250 acres. Despite cannabis being legal in California, these operations allegedly operated outside state regulatory frameworks.
The DEA shared video footage showing agents entering trailers during the operation, with one agent heard shouting, "Police search warrant! If you're in here make yourself known!" Additional video posted by the agency revealed the extensive scale of the marijuana cultivation taking place at these sites.
DEA Deputy Special Agent in Charge Anthony Chrysanthis explained the connection between illegal immigration and these operations, noting how criminal enterprises often exploit vulnerable populations. "Crime follows crime, so in order to get these criminal grows productive they have to reach out to undocumented workers in order to get it done," he stated.
Concerns About Labor Exploitation Surface
During the operation, authorities discovered two individuals locked inside a padlocked trailer at one of the sites. Photos released by federal officials showed several detained individuals sitting together with their hands secured by zip ties.
Breitbart Editor-in-Chief Alex Marlow recently commented on similar situations, describing the conditions faced by illegal immigrants as "slave labor" that had been largely ignored before President Trump's administration took action. Marlow argued this exploitation was "beneath us as a country" and represented a "sign of a broken immigration system."
The raid comes amid heightened tensions following violent protests against ICE operations in Los Angeles, where leftist demonstrators clashed with authorities over immigration enforcement actions. Despite these protests, federal authorities have continued targeting illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds.
Economic Impact Of Immigration Enforcement
The enforcement actions align with President Trump's broader immigration policies, which his administration claims are benefiting American workers. According to economic evidence highlighted by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the president's enforcement of migration laws has contributed to a two percent wage increase for blue-collar Americans.
A large meatpacking firm reportedly signed a wage-raising agreement in March for 26,000 workers, partly due to reduced migrant labor availability. The Trump administration contends these higher wages will stimulate economic growth through increased consumer spending.
Administration officials also suggest the improved wages could help young married couples start families, potentially creating conditions for future economic growth without relying on migration. This economic argument forms a central justification for the administration's tough stance on illegal immigration.
Federal Agencies Continue Enforcement Actions
Wednesday's operation in Thermal showcased the coordinated efforts of multiple federal agencies targeting both illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The DEA's investigation uncovered operations that violated both immigration and drug laws despite California's legalization of marijuana.
The multi-agency task force demonstrated the administration's commitment to enforcing federal laws regardless of state-level cannabis legalization. Officials emphasized that these operations were conducted illegally, outside the regulated framework established by California.
Federal authorities continue to investigate how the workers arrived at the grow sites, with particular interest in possible human trafficking networks. DEA Deputy Special Agent Chrysanthis noted they were interviewing detained individuals to "find out their story, find out how they got here, see how they were trafficked" and develop leads for further investigation.
