California Professor Arrested for Allegedly Attacking ICE Agents During Marijuana Raid
A professor from California has been detained on accusations of throwing a tear gas canister at ICE agents amid a crackdown on a marijuana farm implicated in child labor infractions.
Jonathan Anthony Caravello, who teaches math and philosophy at California State University Channel Islands, faced arrest by federal authorities during a raid at Glass House Farms in Ventura County, according to ABC 7.
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced on X that Caravello was charged with "throwing a tear gas canister at law enforcement."
Caravello is facing charges under “18 USC 111,” which pertains to the assault, resistance, or obstruction of certain officers, as detailed by federal law.
The U.S. attorney refuted assertions claiming that Caravello was "kidnapped" by federal agents.
On Friday, the California Faculty Association alleged that federal agents had unlawfully taken Caravello after clashes erupted between protesters and law enforcement during the raid.
The organization asserted that "masked agents forcibly removed Jonathan into an unmarked vehicle without identifying themselves, justifying the arrest, or revealing his destination."
Contrarily, a criminal complaint acquired by the Ojai Valley News indicated that numerous protesters attempted to impede the execution of a high-risk search warrant at Glass House Farms.
The affidavit reveals Caravello was observed holding a megaphone while walking along police perimeter tape, loudly playing a siren sound aimed at the agents.
As tensions escalated, demonstrators allegedly began throwing rocks at government vehicles, resulting in extensive damage, with shattered windows and damaged mirrors.
In response to the escalating situation, agents utilized tear gas to disperse the crowd. Body camera footage reportedly captured Caravello trying to kick a canister but missing. The complaint claims he then ran up to retrieve the canister before hurling it back at Border Patrol agents.
A Border Patrol agent stated that the canister was thrown at law enforcement, coming within several feet of their heads.
Caravello is said to have left the scene but reappeared two hours later in altered clothing, which led to two border patrol agents attempting to detain him just before 6 p.m.
According to the complaint, when agents attempted to arrest Caravello, he resisted by kicking and did not comply with orders to present his arms.
Following his arrest, Caravello was released on a $15,000 bail, with a court appearance scheduled for August 1.
In response to his arrest, California State University Channel Islands issued a statement emphasizing their understanding of Caravello’s participation in a peaceful protest, which is protected under the First Amendment. They expressed solidarity with those calling for his immediate release, stating their commitment to free expression and due process while promising to monitor the situation closely.
Federal authorities carried out a warrant at Glass House Farms, which has been accused of employing undocumented workers.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, over 350 undocumented individuals were apprehended during raids in Carpinteria and Camarillo on Thursday.
Authorities noted that "violent and dangerous criminals" were among those arrested, and by July 13, at least 14 migrant children had been rescued from potential exploitation and trafficking.
Additionally, officials stated that more than 500 individuals attempted to disrupt operations, resulting in four U.S. citizens being processed for assaulting or resisting law enforcement.
Glass House Farms now faces allegations relating to child labor law breaches.
In a press release, Glass House Brands asserted their compliance with federal warrants and denied knowingly violating any labor laws, stating that they have never employed minors.
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