Key Point Summary – FBI immigration protest shooting

• FBI offers $50,000 reward for suspected gunman
• Protest in Camarillo turns violent amid ICE raids
• Gun allegedly fired at federal agents, no injuries
• Tear gas deployed near children during farm bust
• Ten undocumented minors found at cannabis grow
• Top Democrats blast ICE, call raids “cruel”
• DOJ sues LA over sanctuary city policies

Gun Pulled as Protest Turns Explosive

A protest near Los Angeles took a terrifying turn when a man allegedly aimed a handgun at federal immigration agents during a chaotic standoff in Camarillo.

The FBI has launched a manhunt, offering a $50,000 reward for information on the suspect. Helicopter footage aired by KABC captured the moment a man in a black T-shirt appeared to point a firearm during Thursday’s unrest.

The flashpoint erupted during a raid on a marijuana farm where agents discovered ten minors working under suspected child labor conditions. Officials later confirmed the juveniles were undocumented immigrants.

Tear Gas and Outrage as Agents Move In

Around 2:26 p.m., federal agents moved in on the farm, prompting resistance from protesters already on-site. What followed was a scene straight out of a war zone.

Tear gas was deployed, children were seen running in fear, and emotions flared both on the ground and across social media.

Governor Gavin Newsom quickly condemned the use of force. He posted disturbing footage of the gassing, adding, “We must protect children. Period.” Still, he stopped short of condoning violence toward law enforcement.

ICE Operation Sparks Backlash

The ICE raid at the cannabis operation ignited a fierce response from local leaders. Critics blasted it as politically motivated and unnecessarily militarized.

“This is not routine enforcement,” said Rep. Julia Brownley, whose district includes Camarillo. “It’s an assault on our way of life.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined the chorus, accusing ICE of using fear as a weapon. “This campaign of cruelty is not welcome in our city,” she said.

Brownley also slammed federal officials for what she called a “shocking lack of transparency.” She vowed to seek answers in Congress.

Children Found Working in the Fields

CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott confirmed that ten minors were found at the cannabis farm during the raid. He said they are undocumented and that investigators are now probing possible child labor law violations.

“This isn’t just about immigration,” he warned. “It’s about the exploitation of children.”

The cannabis operation, run by Glass House Brands, stated it cooperated fully with the agents and provided all requested documents. In a statement, the company added: “We are committed to legal compliance and transparency.”

Cannabis remains legal in California under state law—but not when it involves underage, undocumented workers.

Violence Highlights Policy Divide

Tensions around immigration enforcement in California have reached a boiling point. Thursday’s clash in Camarillo is just the latest spark in a powder keg.

The Biden administration continues to walk a tightrope—balancing enforcement with promises of humane treatment. But critics say the raids contradict that vision.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s appointee, U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, has embraced a tougher stance. He recently filed a lawsuit against Los Angeles over its sanctuary city policies.

“Obstruction of immigration law must stop,” Essayli declared.

No One Hurt—But Fear Lingers

Despite the gun being brandished during the protest, officials say no shots hit any federal agents. Still, the FBI is treating the case with urgency.

“This was a direct threat,” said a spokesperson. “We’re asking anyone with information to come forward.”

Camarillo, a typically quiet agricultural community, now finds itself at the center of a national storm. Residents are rattled. Farmers fear more disruptions. Parents worry about escalating violence.

And many are asking: what comes next?

Public Reaction Divides the Nation

On social media, reactions split fast. Supporters of immigration enforcement cheered the bust. “This is what protecting borders looks like,” one user wrote.

But critics weren’t silent.

“Tear-gassing kids to stop labor abuses? That’s not justice,” another posted.

Civil rights groups called the operation “un-American.” The ACLU demanded a federal investigation into the agents’ conduct. California lawmakers are already drafting letters.

Even the cannabis industry is shaken. If underage labor becomes a widespread issue, the fallout could devastate smaller growers.

Trump’s Appointee Fuels Fire

U.S. Attorney Essayli’s involvement has only raised the political stakes. Appointed by Trump and known for his hardline views, he has doubled down on ICE’s role in so-called sanctuary jurisdictions.

In his words, local protections for undocumented immigrants “block federal agents from doing their jobs.”

But critics argue that Essayli is using his post to score political points. They see the lawsuit against LA as a warning shot—and the Camarillo raid as the next step in a broader crackdown.

Camarillo Caught in the Middle

With only 70,000 residents, Camarillo wasn’t expecting to be in the headlines. Known for strawberries and sunny weather, the town is now ground zero in the immigration debate.

Residents remain shaken by the violent scenes. Parents whose kids attend nearby schools described hearing helicopters overhead and locking classroom doors.

“I was picking my daughter up from daycare when the tear gas hit,” said Marisa Valdez, a Camarillo mom. “We could smell it in the car. I thought we were safe here.”

An Uncertain Road Ahead

As investigations continue—into the suspected gunman, the use of force, and labor violations—the nation watches closely.

Federal officials promise transparency, but local leaders aren’t waiting. Calls for independent oversight are growing louder.

And with the 2026 midterms approaching, the clash in Camarillo may become more than just a flashpoint—it could shape the political future of California.

Final Word: Guns, Gas, and Growing Anger

What began as an immigration raid has evolved into a national crisis. With a weapon aimed at agents, tear gas fired near kids, and politicians blaming one another, Camarillo’s peace was shattered.

The FBI wants justice. ICE defends its actions. Locals demand answers. And a bitter country braces for what comes next.

In the end, the Camarillo protest wasn’t just about immigration. It was about who we are—and who we want to be.