ICE Detains 300+ in California Farm Raids Amid Statewide Resistance

In California, the San Fernando Valley and other regions are experiencing increased ICE raids targeting immigrants in neighborhoods, workplaces, and public spaces, leading to community outrage and mobilization against federal immigration enforcement. Local officials and advocates report multiple arrests at locations such as Home Depot in Van Nuys and farms near Camarillo, including cases like that of disabled U.S. military veteran George Retes, who was violently detained despite identifying himself as a U.S. citizen. Public response has included widespread protests and calls for stronger police policies limiting cooperation with ICE, as seen in Santa Barbara, where hundreds urged the city to uphold its sanctuary status effectively. Community resistance has also taken nonviolent forms, such as citizens disrupting ICE agents’ rest and blocking law enforcement responses, with some local officials openly criticizing the raids. The raids have been described as aggressive and sometimes brutal, involving tactics such as tear gas and physical force, prompting fears of racial profiling, family separation, and retaliation among immigrant communities. These developments illustrate deep tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local communities striving to protect vulnerable residents.