Fact Check: "Federal agents fired rubber bullets at protesters during an immigration raid."
What We Know
On July 10, 2025, federal immigration agents conducted raids at two cannabis farms in Southern California, specifically targeting facilities owned by Glass House Farms. These operations led to significant confrontations with protesters, resulting in approximately 200 arrests and reports of injuries among both protesters and agents. According to multiple sources, including the Los Angeles Times and The New York Times, federal agents were observed using crowd control munitions, including tear gas and rubber bullets, during these clashes. Footage from the scene captured by local news outlets showed agents deploying these less-lethal munitions against the crowd of protesters gathered near the Camarillo facility.
The raids were part of a broader enforcement action aimed at undocumented immigrants, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirming that ten minors, eight of whom were unaccompanied, were found at one of the raided locations. The operation has been criticized for its aggressive tactics, particularly in light of the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in California, a state that has seen numerous protests against such actions (source-1, source-2).
Analysis
The claim that federal agents fired rubber bullets at protesters during the immigration raid is supported by evidence from various credible sources. Reports from the Los Angeles Times and ABC News indicate that agents used rubber bullets and tear gas as part of their crowd control measures. Video evidence corroborates these accounts, showing agents engaging with protesters using these munitions (source-5).
However, the context of the use of rubber bullets is critical. While they were indeed used, the overall situation involved a chaotic environment where protesters were blocking access to the farms, and there were reports of a protester firing a weapon at law enforcement (source-4). This context suggests that the use of rubber bullets was part of a broader response to a volatile situation rather than a unilateral decision to suppress peaceful protest.
The sources reporting these events are generally credible, including major news outlets like The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, which have established editorial standards. However, it is essential to note that the framing of these events can vary, potentially influencing public perception. For instance, while some reports focus on the aggressive tactics of federal agents, others highlight the protests and the reasons behind them, such as the fear and unrest in immigrant communities (source-1, source-2).
Conclusion
The claim that federal agents fired rubber bullets at protesters during an immigration raid is Partially True. While it is accurate that rubber bullets were used as part of the crowd control measures during the raid, the situation was complex, involving significant unrest and confrontations between federal agents and protesters. The use of such munitions was likely a response to the chaotic environment rather than a straightforward attack on peaceful demonstrators.
Sources
- Federal Agents Clash with Protesters During Immigration Raid ...
- Chaotic ICE raid at cannabis farm: About 200 arrested, one ...
- News crew hit with less-lethal during clash between ...
- Man Fires at Agents During Calif. Immigration Raid; $50K ...
- ICE Raids at 2 Glass House Cannabis Farms Pit Protesters ...
- Judge orders LAPD to stop shooting journalists with rubber ...
- 3 taken to hospitals as ICE agents raid massive California ...
- Federal agents clash with protesters during ICE raid at ...
