In a massive drug operation spanning 787 acres near Coachella, federal agents arrested 75 illegal immigrants working in marijuana farms with temperatures soaring to 112 degrees, highlighting President Trump’s commitment to border security and fighting illegal drug operations.
Key Takeaways
- Approximately 75 illegal immigrants were arrested during a DEA-led operation targeting illegal marijuana grow operations near Coachella, California
- The massive raid involved 500 personnel, including the DEA, ICE, FBI, ATF, Border Patrol, and National Guard troops across 787 acres
- One U.S. citizen was arrested for obstructing law enforcement during the operation
- The operation targeted three illegal marijuana growing sites with working conditions reaching dangerous temperatures of 112+ degrees
- Democrat officials criticized the operation despite it being authorized by federal search warrants signed by a federal magistrate judge
Massive Federal Operation Targets Illegal Drug Operations
Federal authorities executed a sweeping raid on illegal marijuana farms in the eastern Coachella Valley, resulting in the arrest of approximately 75 illegal immigrants working at the sites. The operation, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), targeted three illegal marijuana grow operations in Thermal, California, covering nearly 800 acres of land. The massive show of force involved 500 personnel from multiple federal agencies, demonstrating President Trump’s administration’s serious approach to combating illegal drug operations that employ unauthorized workers.
The coordinated effort involved agents from the DEA, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FBI, and support from the National Guard and the Army. According to DEA officials, the operation was “authorized by federal search warrants signed by a federal magistrate judge,” establishing the legal foundation for the raids. In addition to the illegal immigrants detained, authorities arrested one American citizen for attempting to impede law enforcement during the investigation.
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
Dangerous Working Conditions and Criminal Enterprise
The illegal cannabis operations were conducted in extremely hazardous conditions, with temperatures reaching as high as 112 degrees. Workers were subjected to these dangerous conditions while participating in criminal drug operations. Videos and photos released by the DEA revealed extensive indoor marijuana grows and numerous detentions, highlighting the industrial scale of these illegal operations. The harsh working environment underscores how criminal enterprises exploit illegal immigrants while conducting unlawful drug operations on American soil.
“Up to 75 illegal immigrants were arrested during a raid of illegal marijuana growing operations in Southern California on June 18, 2025,” said U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) officials.
The DEA characterized the operation as “a vast investigation involving multiple illegal marijuana grow operations in Thermal,” reflecting the significant scale of the criminal enterprise. Many of the targeted farms were reportedly operating on tribal land, raising additional jurisdictional concerns. The need for such a large-scale response, including military support, demonstrates the severity of the drug cultivation problem in the region and the challenges facing law enforcement in addressing it effectively.
Democrat Officials Criticize Law Enforcement Operation
Despite the operation being authorized through proper legal channels, several Democratic officials criticized the enforcement action. U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz expressed outrage over what he called “collateral arrests” of illegal immigrants and the “militarization” of immigration enforcement. Riverside County Supervisor Manuel Perez similarly condemned the actions as inhumane, despite their focus on dismantling illegal drug operations that exploit vulnerable workers in dangerous conditions.
“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 timing of the raids aligns with President Trump’s broader efforts to secure the border and crack down on illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The operation demonstrates how illegal immigration and drug crimes often intersect, with criminal enterprises exploiting illegal immigrants as workers in their illegal operations. The successful raid represents a significant step in the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws while simultaneously combating illegal drug operations that harm communities across America.
