A California State University, Channel Islands professor has been indicted on federal charges after allegedly hurling a tear gas canister at immigration agents during a raid at a cannabis farm in Ventura County.
Jonathan Caravello, 37, a math lecturer at CSU Channel Islands, was charged with one count of assault on a federal officer, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California announced Wednesday. He was released on bond and is scheduled to be arraigned in the coming weeks. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
Chaotic Scene at Glass House Farms
The incident occurred on July 10 during an immigration raid at Glass House Farms, a 160-acre marijuana operation in Camarillo. Protesters reportedly blocked the facility’s entrance, preventing federal agents from leaving. Officials said some demonstrators escalated tensions by throwing rocks at government vehicles, shattering windows and mirrors.
During the confrontation, Border Patrol agents deployed tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd. Prosecutors allege Caravello attempted to kick one of the canisters before picking it up and throwing it back overhand toward agents.
Caravello was arrested after what authorities described as a physical struggle, claiming he “kicked his legs and refused to give agents his arms during the arrest.”
University and DOJ Response
Caravello is listed as a lecturer in CSU Channel Islands’ staff directory. Following his arrest, the university acknowledged awareness of the incident, stating that early information suggested he had been “peacefully participating in a protest—an act protected under the First Amendment.”
The Department of Justice, however, maintains that his actions went beyond peaceful protest and endangered federal officers.
Broader Raids and Fallout
The Glass House raid was part of a larger federal operation targeting cannabis facilities in Camarillo and Carpinteria. According to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, more than 300 undocumented immigrants were arrested. Officials said they were executing criminal warrants and investigating Glass House for allegedly hiring undocumented workers.
In a related incident, a farmworker injured after falling from a greenhouse roof during the raid died days later, further fueling controversy over the federal operation.
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