A California State University professor has been arrested for allegedly assaulting federal agents during a massive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid on a cannabis farm suspected of exploiting illegal labor and children. Jonathan Anthony Caravello, a math professor at CSU Channel Islands, is accused of throwing a tear gas canister at ICE agents in the middle of a violent protest.
The raid took place Thursday at Glass House Farms in Ventura County, where ICE detained over 360 illegal aliens and rescued 14 children potentially subjected to forced labor and trafficking. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli confirmed Caravello’s arrest, stating the professor was charged with assaulting federal officers under 18 U.S. Code § 111.
Caravello, released on a $15,000 bond, appeared in court Monday wearing an ankle monitor. Federal documents reveal he kicked and threw a tear gas canister back at officers, resisted arrest, and disrupted agents with a megaphone siren. He initially fled the scene but returned in different clothes and was identified through bodycam footage.
During the raid, roughly 500 protesters—some waving Mexican flags—clashed violently with federal agents. Tear gas was deployed after officers were assaulted and at least one protester allegedly discharged a firearm. Caravello was among the agitators resisting the ICE operation, which uncovered illegal activity and a potential child exploitation ring.
Despite his arrest, the California Faculty Association praised Caravello, calling him a “committed educator” and framing the charges as politically motivated. The university also issued a statement backing Caravello’s right to protest, despite clear video evidence of violent conduct.
This ICE operation is believed to be the second-largest worksite enforcement raid in U.S. history. Among those arrested was a known violent offender with prior child exploitation charges. Authorities are continuing to vet the criminal histories of the 319 detained illegal migrants.
