Daijiworld Media Network - California
California, Jul 13: A 57-year-old farmworker, Jaime Alanis, died on Saturday from injuries sustained after falling from a greenhouse roof during a chaotic immigration raid at a California cannabis facility earlier this week. The tragic incident marks the first reported fatality linked to one of the Trump administration’s anti-immigration operations.
Alanis, who had worked at the farm for over a decade, was reportedly attempting to hide from immigration agents when he fell nearly 30 feet from the rooftop at Glass House Farms in Camarillo. According to family and hospital sources, Alanis suffered a broken neck and was initially placed on life support. His niece, Yesenia Duran, later confirmed his death to the Associated Press.
The United Farm Workers (UFW) union condemned the raid, calling it "violent and cruel," and said such actions not only terrorize immigrant communities but also endanger lives and the nation’s food supply chain. The union highlighted that Alanis was the sole breadwinner for his wife and daughter in Mexico, regularly sending his earnings home.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that over 200 people suspected of being in the US illegally were detained during the raid, which also identified at least 10 underage immigrant workers. However, DHS stated that Alanis was not among the individuals being pursued and was not in their custody. “Although he was not being pursued by law enforcement, this individual climbed up to the roof of a greenhouse and fell 30 feet,” said DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin, adding that agents called a medivac immediately.
The raid at Glass House Farms, which is a licensed cannabis grower, triggered public outcry and large gatherings of worried families and protesters outside the facility. The situation escalated into clashes, with law enforcement officers in military-style gear confronting demonstrators, who were eventually dispersed with clouds of smoke.
Glass House Farms, which also cultivates tomatoes and cucumbers, stated that it complied with all hiring regulations and is cooperating with authorities. The company also pledged legal support for affected workers and maintained that it never knowingly employed minors. The farm is owned by Graham Farrar, a known donor to California Democratic leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom.
Federal agents also arrested four US citizens during the raid for allegedly assaulting officers, and authorities have announced a $50,000 reward for information on a person who allegedly fired at federal agents during the operation.