A California farmworker has died just one day after sustaining serious injuries during a dramatic federal immigration raid that has ignited controversy and public outrage, as Fox News reports.

Authorities raided two cannabis farms in Southern California on July 10; during the operation, one worker fell 30 feet and later died, while agents also uncovered multiple underage migrant laborers, prompting sharp criticism from labor unions and immigrant advocates.

On Thursday morning, federal authorities carried out coordinated immigration enforcement operations at two sites in Ventura County: Glass House Farms in Camarillo and another facility in Carpinteria. The raids were part of an ongoing investigation into illegal labor practices, including alleged child labor violations involving undocumented minors.

At the Camarillo location, tensions rose quickly between federal immigration officers and groups of protesters who had gathered in opposition to the operation. Video from the scene captured authorities using tear gas on demonstrators as chaos erupted near the greenhouse complex.

During the raid at Glass House Farms, a farmworker reportedly climbed onto the roof of a greenhouse and accidentally fell approximately 30 feet. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the individual was not being chased or apprehended by officers at the time of the fall.

Worker’s fall sparks emergency response

The fall prompted federal agents to summon emergency medical personnel immediately. According to Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, a medical evacuation helicopter was called to the site in order to provide rapid care and transport the injured man for treatment. Despite the swift response, the farmworker did not survive.

On Friday, United Farm Workers publicly confirmed the man’s death through a statement posted on the social media platform X. The union referred to the incident as a tragedy and tied the fatality to the sudden enforcement action conducted a day earlier.

"We tragically can confirm that a farmworker has died of injuries they sustained,” the union’s message stated. The group has since called for an immediate halt to similar operations, citing the danger they pose to already vulnerable laborers.

Undocumented minors found working on site

In the course of the Camarillo raid, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials reported discovering 10 undocumented workers under the age of 18. Eight of the minors were found to be unaccompanied, highlighting concerns about unregulated labor conditions at certain agricultural sites.

Glass House Farms, one of the state’s prominent legal cannabis producers, is now facing a federal investigation into whether it violated labor laws protecting children and undocumented workers. Authorities have yet to release details about how the minors were employed or whether others involved in hiring decisions will face charges.

CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott addressed the raid during a press event Friday, characterizing it as a necessary step in enforcing immigration law. "This is Newsom's California," he stated, implying the state’s policies contributed to the conditions at the farm.

Community response and ongoing criticism

Labor rights organizations and immigrant advocacy groups quickly condemned the raid’s execution, calling it disorganized and unnecessary. Many spoke out against the deployment of tear gas and the use of National Guard troops to block protesters at the site.

In a follow-up statement, United Farm Workers said the federal operation had inflicted widespread fear on communities that rely on immigrant labor. “These violent and cruel federal actions terrorize American communities and threaten lives,” the group said.

The organization also emphasized that many of the people impacted by the raids were not targets of immigration enforcement and included American citizens who were still unaccounted for following the operation.

Lessons to learn

1. Workplaces must prioritize safety, even during enforcement actions. Sudden raids and law enforcement operations in hazardous environments such as construction sites or greenhouses can become life-threatening. Emergency planning and responsible coordination are essential to prevent unintended injuries.

2. Legal protections for vulnerable workers need enhancement. The discovery of unaccompanied minors working in a cannabis facility underscores gaps in the enforcement of labor laws. Tighter oversight and employer accountability are vital in safeguarding children and undocumented workers from exploitation.

3. Public awareness of rights during law enforcement activity is crucial. Knowing what to do during an immigration raid or protest can help prevent panic and unintentional harm. Still, no matter how prepared someone is, unpredictable events can occur. Victims should never be blamed for circumstances beyond their control.

Why this story matters

This incident highlights the serious human cost that can result from aggressive immigration actions.

It also raises broader questions about labor enforcement in legal cannabis operations -- an industry still navigating regulation.

For the public, it's a reminder of the intersection between immigration policy, labor rights, and federal enforcement strategies.