Federal officers rescued at least 14 migrant children from potential exploitation and arrested 361 illegal aliens during operations at marijuana grow sites in California, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today. The operations, executed on July 10, 2025, targeted sites in Carpinteria and Camarillo.
ICE has transferred 10 of the rescued unaccompanied children to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The DHS also reported the arrest of several criminal illegal aliens with prior convictions, including Santos Alberto Rodriguez-Jacinto, arrested previously for terroristic threats; Josefina Lopez-Martinez, convicted of child cruelty; and Jorge Luis Anaya-Garcia, arrested for narcotics possession.
Other individuals arrested include Jose Vasquez-Lopez, previously removed from the U.S. five times with a battery conviction; Fabian Fernando Antonio-Martinez, arrested for felony firearm possession; Jesus Hernandez-Ramirez, arrested for indecent exposure; Miguel Mejia-Echevearia, arrested for a hit and run; Christina Martinez-Modesto, arrested for assault and battery; Cinthia Paola Cardona-Mendoza, arrested for assault with a deadly weapon; and Adriana Gonzalez-Gonzalez, convicted of burglary and DUI.
"During the operation at the marijuana grow sites in California, DHS law enforcement rescued at least 14 children who may have been exploited, forced into labor and trafficked. Ten of those children have now been turned over to HHS," said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. "It is shameful that as we continue our investigation and reveal the facts, politicians and activists are continuing to defend violent criminal illegal aliens over the safety of children and our communities.”