A massive federal raid of illegal marijuana farms in Southern California has netted 75 undocumented workers in a coordinated operation spanning 787 acres in sweltering 112-degree heat.
Key Takeaways
- Federal agents arrested 70-75 undocumented immigrants during a major DEA-led drug investigation targeting illegal marijuana grow operations near Coachella Valley
- The operation involved 500 personnel from multiple agencies, including the DEA, ICE, FBI, Border Patrol, ATF, and National Guard troops
- Three illegal marijuana growing sites in Thermal were raided under federal search warrants signed by a magistrate judge
- One American citizen was arrested for obstructing law enforcement during the operation
- Democrat politicians criticized the operation as causing “terror and anxiety” in immigrant communities, despite it being a drug enforcement action
Massive Federal Operation Targets Illegal Cannabis Network
Federal authorities executed a sweeping operation against illegal marijuana cultivation sites in Southern California, resulting in the arrest of approximately 75 undocumented immigrants. The Drug Enforcement Administration led the mission that targeted three major illicit cultivation operations near Coachella. The operation took place under extreme weather conditions, with temperatures reaching 112 degrees in the eastern Coachella Valley. DEA officials confirmed that the raid was authorized by federal search warrants signed by a federal magistrate judge and described it as “a vast investigation involving multiple illegal marijuana grow operations in Thermal.”
The scale of the operation was substantial, covering approximately 787 acres of illegal marijuana farms. To effectively manage such a large-scale mission, the DEA requested assistance from multiple federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the National Guard. According to reports, around 500 personnel participated in the coordinated effort, highlighting the significant resources President Trump’s administration is dedicating to combating illegal drug operations, particularly those employing undocumented workers.
500 federal agents and soldiers raid marijuana farms in rural Southern California
Massive Illegal Drug Operation -Controlled By Mexican Drug Cartels in California Busted By DEAThe drug operations were on Federal Land and were employing a large number of Illegal Migrants.
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— An Appeal To Heaven 🌲 (@JohnHen62340741) June 19, 2025
Democrat Politicians Criticize Drug Enforcement Action
Despite the clear focus on illegal drug operations, several Democratic politicians criticized the enforcement action for its impact on immigrant communities. U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz expressed outrage at what he termed “collateral arrests” of undocumented immigrants and the “militarization” of immigration enforcement. “It is causing terror, anxiety, and fear in our communities, and it’s unacceptable. We have people out there working in the fields to feed America who are … afraid for their families. It’s 113 degrees out there right now. This is not America. This needs to stop,” said U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz.
Similarly, Riverside County Supervisor Manuel Perez condemned the operation as inhumane and destabilizing. These responses from Democratic officials highlight their continued prioritization of illegal immigrant protections over law enforcement actions targeting criminal enterprises. The Desert Recreation District reported that federal law enforcement staged in a local park without prior notice or coordination, while TODEC, an immigrant rights advocacy group, urged residents to remain calm. These concerns emerged despite the DEA’s clear statements that the operation was targeting illegal drug operations, not conducting immigration raids.
Details of the Enforcement Operation
The DEA confirmed that “Up to 75 illegal immigrants were arrested during a raid of illegal marijuana growing operations in Southern California on June 18, 2025,” according to U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) officials.
In addition to the undocumented workers, one U.S. citizen was arrested for impeding law enforcement during the operation. The exact locations of the DEA marijuana raids were not specified in detail, though many targeted “pot farms” were reportedly on tribal land. Videos and photos posted by the DEA showed large indoor marijuana growing facilities and multiple detentions or arrests. Several individuals are currently being questioned regarding their involvement in the marijuana grow operations. This raid demonstrates the Trump administration’s commitment to enforcing federal drug laws and addressing the intersection of illegal immigration and criminal enterprises.
Broader Context of Immigration and Drug Enforcement
The operation comes amid intensified national focus on immigration enforcement under President Trump, who has activated National Guard members in California to support border security operations. The discovery of undocumented workers at these illegal marijuana farms highlights the ongoing issue of criminal organizations exploiting illegal immigrants. These workers often face dangerous conditions, with limited legal protections due to their immigration status. The 112-degree heat during the operation underscores the hazardous working conditions these individuals endure at remote cultivation sites.
“The operation is authorized by federal search warrants signed by a federal magistrate judge,” the DEA stated, emphasizing the legal foundation for the raid.
This operation represents a significant victory in President Trump’s efforts to combat both illegal drug operations and illegal immigration simultaneously. The successful coordination between multiple federal agencies demonstrates the administration’s whole-of-government approach to addressing these intertwined issues. While critics focus on the immigration aspects of the operation, the primary goal was dismantling illegal drug operations that not only violate federal law but also exploit vulnerable workers in dangerous conditions while undermining legitimate businesses operating within legal frameworks.
