About 75 migrants arrested in Thermal as feds sweep illegal cannabis operation
About 75 migrants arrested in Thermal as feds sweep illegal cannabis operation
An investigation continued Thursday into the arrests of about 75 undocumented migrants in connection to an alleged large-scale illegal marijuana operation in Thermal.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Division said it led a multi-agency effort to seize more than 700 acres of marijuana on Wednesday.
“Due to the magnitude and topography of this operation, DEA has requested support from multiple federal partners,” according to a DEA statement on X.
Participating federal partners included the National Guard, FBI Los Angeles Division and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to the DEA.
The agency said search warrants were authorized by a federal magistrate judge.
The DEA said initial figures — which may be updated — show that between 70 and 75 undocumented migrants were taken into custody, along with at least one U.S. citizen accused of interfering with law enforcement.
Rep. Raul Ruiz, D-Palm Desert, said on Facebook Wednesday that his team was on site, working alongside immigration rights organizations to observe the arrests as they took place.
“ICE is uncalled for. I condemn it to the fullest extent. It is causing terror and anxiety and fear in our communities,” Ruiz said.
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