CSU Professor Arrested in California Immigration Raid

Jonathan Anthony Caravello, a math and philosophy professor at California State University Channel Islands, was arrested by federal agents during a protest at a Camarillo cannabis farm targeted in a large immigration raid and suspected child labor investigation. Authorities allege Caravello assaulted officers by throwing a tear gas canister, charging him under 18 USC 111, while witnesses and the California Faculty Association say he was helping a disabled protest observer and was forcibly detained without immediate disclosure of his location. The university has called for due process and reaffirmed its commitment to academic freedom and free expression. Caravello appeared in court and was released on bond, with court records stating he left the scene, changed clothes, and returned prior to arrest. The CFA and supporters describe his detention as a kidnapping and have organized vigils demanding his release. The raids at farms in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties led to over 300 arrests and form part of ongoing probes into immigration and child labor violations at California cannabis operations.