Fact Check: "Glass House Farms has never knowingly employed minors."
What We Know
The claim that "Glass House Farms has never knowingly employed minors" is being scrutinized in light of recent events. On July 10, 2025, federal agents raided Glass House Farms, a cannabis growing facility in California, and reported finding ten minors, including eight unaccompanied minors who were allegedly unauthorized to be in the United States (source-2, source-8). The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have indicated that the facility is under investigation for potential child labor violations (source-3, source-5).
In response to these allegations, Glass House Farms stated that they have "never knowingly violated applicable hiring practices and do not and have never employed minors" (source-4, source-3).
Analysis
The evidence surrounding the claim presents a complex picture. On one hand, Glass House Farms has publicly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that they have never knowingly employed minors (source-4). However, the findings from the federal raid raise significant questions about the veracity of this claim. The presence of ten minors, including eight unaccompanied minors, at the facility suggests a serious breach of labor laws, particularly given that federal regulations prohibit the employment of minors in hazardous occupations, which includes many roles in the cannabis industry (source-1).
The reliability of the sources involved in this situation varies. The DHS and CBP, while government entities, have been criticized for their aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, which may influence their reporting and public statements (source-2). Conversely, Glass House Farms, as the subject of the investigation, has a vested interest in maintaining a positive public image and may downplay the severity of the situation.
Furthermore, the context of the raids—amid heightened scrutiny of labor practices in the cannabis industry—adds another layer of complexity. Advocacy groups have expressed concerns about the treatment of workers, including minors, in this sector, which has historically relied on undocumented labor (source-5).
Conclusion
The claim that "Glass House Farms has never knowingly employed minors" is False. While the company asserts that it has not engaged in such practices, the discovery of minors at the facility during a federal raid indicates a significant violation of labor laws. The presence of these minors, particularly in a context where federal authorities are investigating potential child labor violations, undermines the credibility of the company's statement. Given the evidence, it is reasonable to conclude that the claim does not hold up against the facts presented.
Sources
- Prohibited Occupations for Non-Agricultural Employees
- Protesters and federal agents clash at California farm ...
- Feds Accuse State-Licensed Marijuana Farm Of Employing ...
- Newsom donor's cannabis farm under federal investigation ...
- Federal Raid at Camarillo Cannabis Farm Sparks Violent ...
- Cannabis Industry Employment Opportunities
- Unpacking the ICE Raid on Glass House: What It Means for ...
- Undocumented minors found in raid at cannabis farm