Marijuana farms operated by a major state-licensed business in California were raided by federal officials on Thursday.
Glass House Brands Inc. said its facilities were “visited today” by officials with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Other news outlets have reported that the National Guard was involved in the raids.
This does not appear to be a targeted effort by the federal government against the state-legal cannabis industry specifically, as other reports have indicated that ICE agents have been involved in numerous enforcement actions in the area.
Protests emerged after ICE was spotted and their presence was publicized among advocacy organizations.
ICE did not respond to a request for comment from Marijuana Moment. Glass House Brands also declined to comment on the record.
The 805 Immigrant Coalition and 805 UndocuFund, advocacy organizations focused on immigration issues, told The Santa Barbara Independent that the raids occurred at two locations operated by Glass House.
“Both locations have multiple ICE vehicles and agents on the ground,” the alert from the organization said, urging residents to “show up to the scene to protect workers.”
While the immigration enforcement action doesn’t appear directly connected to the marijuana industry—and information about potential arrests of cannabis workers is unclear—the news is certain to add to the anxiety among immigrants working in the marijuana industry in California and elsewhere.
Immigration raids have become commonplace in California and jurisdictions across the country, drawing large masses of protestors who have pointed to examples where ICE has detained, arrested and, in some cases, deported people who’ve come to the U.S. without proper documentation.
At the same time, involvement with cannabis—including via employment in the state-legal industry—can have immigration consequences for noncitizens.
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Meanwhile, on Monday, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) again notified an agency judge that the marijuana rescheduling process remains stalled under the Trump administration.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was previously vocal about his support for legalizing cannabis, as well as psychedelics therapy. But during his Senate confirmation process in February, he said that he would defer to DEA on marijuana rescheduling in his new role.
Separately, former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) was reportedly photographed reviewing a document that appears to be a draft contract to provide services—including “administration-related guidance”—to a firm affiliated with the major marijuana company Trulieve. The visible portion of the document describes a lucrative bonus if a certain “matter resolves,” with an “additional ‘Super Success Fee’” for other “exclusive policy remedies.”
Last month, the former congressman reiterated his own support for rescheduling cannabis—suggesting in an interview with a Florida Republican lawmaker that the GOP could win more of the youth vote by embracing marijuana reform.
Gaetz also said last month that Trump’s endorsement of a Schedule III reclassification was essentially an attempt to shore up support among young voters rather than a sincere reflection of his personal views about cannabis.
A survey conducted by a GOP pollster affiliated with Trump that was released in April found that a majority of Republicans back a variety of cannabis reforms, including rescheduling. And, notably, they’re even more supportive of allowing states to legalize marijuana without federal interference compared to the average voter.
Meanwhile, Trump picked former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi (R) to run DOJ, and the Senate confirmed that choice. During her confirmation hearings, Bondi declined to say how she planned to navigate key marijuana policy issues. And as state attorney general, she opposed efforts to legalize medical cannabis.
Amid the stalled marijuana rescheduling process that’s carried over from the last presidential administration, congressional researchers recently reiterated that lawmakers could enact the reform themselves with “greater speed and flexibility” if they so choose, while potentially avoiding judicial challenges.
Meanwhile, a newly formed coalition of professional athletes and entertainers, led by retired boxer Mike Tyson, sent a letter to Trump on Friday—thanking him for past clemency actions while emphasizing the opportunity he has to best former President Joe Biden by rescheduling marijuana, expanding pardons and freeing up banking services for licensed cannabis businesses.
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