A farmworker in Southern California has died after suffering critical injuries during a recent immigration raid. The man, Jaime Alanis Garcia, worked at a cannabis farm in Camarillo, about 50 miles from Los Angeles. His family confirmed that he passed away on Saturday after days on life support.
Garcia fell nearly 30 feet during a federal raid at Glass House Farms. His family said he broke his neck and skull in the fall. He was placed on life support until his wife, who traveled from Mexico, could be by his side. After she arrived, the family made the difficult decision to remove him from the breathing machine.
Garcia’s niece confirmed his death in a public statement, saying, “His wife and parents decided today to let him rest. He has passed away.”
The United Farm Workers union expressed deep sorrow over the incident. Union president Teresa Romero said Garcia’s death has left the organization devastated. She promised the union would support the family in any way it can.
Federal authorities said Garcia was not in custody at the time of the fall. According to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security, Garcia climbed onto the roof of a greenhouse and fell on his own. Officials said a medivac helicopter was called immediately to get him medical help.
The incident took place during a large immigration operation at two cannabis farms run by Glass House. The raids sparked chaos and public anger. Hundreds of people protested, some throwing rocks and bricks at government vehicles. Immigration officials said some agents were attacked and even shot at during the raid.
In response to the violence, federal officers used tear gas and non-lethal weapons to control the crowd. Inside the facility, several workers were arrested.
According to officials, the raids led to the arrest of 319 undocumented workers. Fourteen children were also found during the operation. Authorities said they were at risk of forced labor or trafficking. Romero, however, urged that these children be given legal protection and support. She warned that farmworker children are often left out of child labor laws and remain vulnerable.
Romero added that detaining and deporting children is not the answer. She emphasized the need to protect young workers rather than punish them.
The events in Camarillo came shortly after large protests in Los Angeles over similar immigration actions. Those earlier protests brought parts of the city to a halt and drew national attention. In response, President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard to control the unrest.
Trump later posted on social media, saying he watched the protests in disbelief. He called for strong action and said officers should use all necessary means to arrest those who resist.
Following the raids, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass signed a directive requiring all city departments to prepare response plans. These plans must guide how workers, including contractors, should act if approached by immigration officers.
Romero also claimed that some U.S. citizens were wrongfully detained during the raid. She condemned the federal operation, calling it cruel and dangerous. She said such actions not only harm communities but also disrupt the food supply and separate families.
She highlighted a recent court ruling that temporarily limits immigration enforcement. The ruling blocks officers from targeting people without reasonable suspicion, especially based on appearance, language, or occupation.
The legal case was brought by a coalition of civil rights groups, including the ACLU and United Farm Workers. It was supported by California’s state government, the city of Los Angeles, and several other areas.
