Crime & Safety
75 Migrants Arrested In RivCo During Large Cannabis Raids
Authorities were investigating the arrests of undocumented migrants in connection with a large-scale marijuana operation.
THERMAL, CA — Federal drug enforcement agents arrested about 75 migrants at a large and reportedly illegal marijuana operation in Riverside County on Wednesday.
A multi-agency effort was carried out in Thermal to seize more than 700 acres of marijuana, The Drug Enforcement Administration of Los Angeles announced on X.
"Due to the magnitude and topography of this operation, DEA has requested support from multiple federal partners,” the agency said.
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"Today, DEA LA Field Division (Riverside DO), with crucial support from multiple federal partners, executed search warrants at multiple illegal marijuana grow operations." DEA LA wrote on X. "One trailer was padlocked with 2 people inside."
The National Guard, FBI and ICE assisted in the sweep after search warrants were authorized by a federal judge, according to the DEA.
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Militarized vehicles were reportedly seen traveling through the Coachella Valley, raising alarm among some community members, according to Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Palm Desert).
The department says between 70 and 75 undocumented migrants were arrested, along with one U.S. citizen that was accused of interfering with law enforcement.
DEA LA Field Division is leading a vast investigation involving multiple illegal marijuana grow operations in Thermal. The operation is authorized by federal search warrants signed by a federal magistrate judge from @USAO_LosAngeles based on a submission from @USAO_LosAngeles. pic.twitter.com/qSa3EIsSD2
— DEALosAngeles (@DEALOSANGELES) June 18, 2025
Ruiz took to Facebook to condemn the incident on Thursday and said he was on the ground working alongside local immigration rights organizations.
"The militarization of ICE in our communities is unacceptable. I condemn it to the fullest extent," he said. "Because of this Administration’s militarization of ICE, hundreds of East Valley families are experiencing trauma and fear following reports of military vehicles and federal agents in our communities."
The news comes as the nation experiences a large-scale deportation drive that has stirred unrest throughout the Southland.
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