Federal agents arrested 75 illegal immigrants working in extreme 110-degree heat at massive illegal marijuana grow operations spanning 787 acres near Coachella, California, while a U.S. citizen was also detained for obstructing justice during the multi-agency raid.
Key Takeaways
- Federal agents arrested 70-75 illegal immigrants during a major drug raid targeting three illegal marijuana grow operations near Coachella, California
- The massive operation involved 500 personnel from multiple agencies including DEA, ICE, FBI, Border Patrol, ATF, and National Guard troops
- One U.S. citizen was arrested for obstructing law enforcement during the operation
- The illegal grows spanned approximately 787 acres with workers laboring in dangerous 110+ degree heat conditions
- Democrat officials criticized the operation as causing “terror” in immigrant communities despite it being a drug enforcement action
Massive Multi-Agency Drug Raid Targets Illegal Cannabis Empire
In a decisive blow against illegal drug operations, federal agents conducted a sweeping raid targeting three massive marijuana grow sites near Thermal, California, in the eastern Coachella Valley. The operation, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), deployed approximately 500 personnel across an area spanning 787 acres. The scale of the illegal cannabis enterprise required coordination between multiple federal agencies including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional support from National Guard troops activated by President Trump.
“The operation is authorized by federal search warrants signed by a federal magistrate judge,” stated DEA officials in an official announcement about the action. The extensive mobilization of resources highlights the substantial threat these illegal growing operations pose to public safety and demonstrates the Trump administration’s commitment to enforcing federal drug laws. Videos released by the DEA revealed large indoor marijuana cultivation facilities and showed multiple individuals being detained as agents systematically dismantled the illegal enterprise.
500 federal agents and soldiers raid marijuana farms in rural Southern California
Massive Illegal Drug Operation -Controlled By Mexican Drug Cartels in California Busted By DEAThe drug operations were on Federal Land and were employing a large number of Illegal Migrants.
A… pic.twitter.com/0DrKLMiveJ
— An Appeal To Heaven 🌲 (@JohnHen62340741) June 19, 2025
Illegal Immigrants Found Working in Dangerous Conditions
During the operation, authorities encountered and subsequently arrested between 70 and 75 illegal immigrants working at the marijuana grow sites. These workers were subjected to extremely dangerous conditions, laboring in scorching temperatures that exceeded 110 degrees with minimal protection or safety measures. The exploitation of vulnerable illegal immigrants as laborers in these criminal enterprises highlights how the Biden administration’s open border policies created a readily available workforce for criminal organizations. One U.S. citizen was also arrested during the raid for actively impeding law enforcement officials as they executed their duties.
“Up to 75 illegal immigrants were arrested during a raid of illegal marijuana growing operations in Southern California on June 18, 2025,” confirmed U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) officials.
The presence of so many illegal immigrants at these grow operations demonstrates the intricate connection between open borders and criminal enterprise. Drug cartels and illegal marijuana operations routinely exploit the illegal immigrant population for cheap labor, knowing these individuals are unlikely to report unsafe working conditions or criminal activity for fear of deportation. The arrests serve as a stark reminder of how lax border enforcement policies ultimately create environments where human exploitation flourishes.
Democrats Rush to Defend Illegal Operations Despite Clear Drug Connection
Despite the clear focus on dismantling illegal drug operations, several Democratic officials in the region immediately criticized the enforcement action. U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz condemned what he described as “collateral arrests” of undocumented immigrants and the “militarization” of immigration enforcement, seemingly prioritizing the protection of illegal immigrants over the enforcement of drug laws and the safety of communities. Riverside County Supervisor Manuel Perez joined in this criticism, characterizing the professionally executed law enforcement operation as “inhumane.”
“It is causing terror and anxiety, and fear in our communities, and it’s unacceptable. We have people out there working in the fields to feed America who are … afraid for their families. It’s 113 degrees out there right now. This is not America. This needs to stop,” said U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz.
The mischaracterization of a legitimate drug enforcement operation as an immigration raid reveals the troubling priorities of Democratic officials. Rather than acknowledging the substantial public safety threat posed by these massive illegal growing operations, they chose to frame the action as an attack on immigrant communities. This political posturing ignores the exploitation of vulnerable illegal immigrants by criminal enterprises and the negative impact these illegal drug operations have on community safety and legitimate agriculture in the region.
Trump Administration’s Commitment to Law Enforcement
This successful operation demonstrates President Trump’s renewed commitment to enforcing federal drug laws and securing communities from criminal enterprises. The coordination between multiple federal agencies showcases an effective whole-of-government approach to combating illegal drug operations. The DEA specifically requested assistance from the National Guard due to the challenging topography and extensive acreage of the illegal growing operations, showing the strategic deployment of resources to maximize operational effectiveness.
“A vast investigation involving multiple illegal marijuana grow operations in Thermal,” the DEA explained when characterizing the scope of the criminal enterprise they were targeting.
The operation represents a significant victory in the fight against illegal drug cultivation and distribution networks operating within American borders. By dismantling these extensive growing operations, federal authorities have disrupted a major source of illegal marijuana production while simultaneously addressing the exploitation of illegal immigrants as laborers in dangerous conditions. This action serves as a warning to criminal enterprises that the federal government under President Trump will not tolerate illegal drug operations, regardless of their size or location.
