The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today strongly condemned the recent federal immigration raids of two Ventura County farms that reportedly led to the death of a farm worker, critical injuries to others, and the mass detention of approximately 200 individuals.
SEE: Worker dies from injuries sustained during California farm raid
On Thursday, July 10, U.S. Department of Homeland Security officers carried out what is believed to be the largest single-day immigration enforcement action in California history at Glass House Farms in Camarillo and a farm in Carpinteria. Amid what United Farm Workers described as “chaotic raids,” hundreds of workers were detained, and multiple individuals were injured. Reports also indicate that U.S. citizens remain unaccounted for following the raids.
One worker reportedly succumbed to a brain injury after falling 30 feet during the raid.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in protest near the Camarillo site. The situation escalated, with federal agents deploying tear gas, prompting paramedics to establish a triage site to treat the injured.
In a statement, CAIR-LA Legal Director Amr Shabaik said:
“These increasingly brazen, chaotic, violent, and unconstitutional operations are a shameful and unacceptable use of state violence against some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Instead of protecting human dignity and upholding justice, federal agents are conducting militarized raids that cause chaos, injury, and loss of life. It is clear these actions are intended to create fear amongst immigrant communities, including farm workers, across the country.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the worker’s family, who are now mourning an unimaginable and preventable tragedy.
“There is no place for state-sponsored violence and terror in our society, and we demand full accountability for the harm ICE has caused.”
CAIR-LA is currently working alongside partner organizations to provide legal support, Know Your Rights resources, and community defense efforts for impacted communities. It also urges community members to remain vigilant, document abuses, and connect with trusted local organizations for assistance.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by recent ICE activity or law enforcement actions, please contact CAIR-LA’s Immigration Department.
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com; CAIR-LA Senior Communications Coordinator Madi Morse-Hameed, mmorse-hameed@cair.com