Federal officials are pushing back against claims made by activists and media outlets that a university professor was “kidnapped” during a federal immigration enforcement operation at a cannabis farm in California earlier this month.

On July 10, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted a raid at a marijuana grow facility in Camarillo, California, which is located in Ventura County.

The facility, while licensed under California state law, is still considered illegal under federal law.

During the operation, multiple individuals were arrested, including Jonathan Caravello, an associate professor from California State University.

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Local news outlet KTLA reported on the incident, quoting the California Faculty Association, which alleged that Caravello had been "kidnapped" by federal authorities during the raid.

California State University Channel Islands is calling for the immediate release of one of their professors who was detained during a protest on Thursday. https://t.co/xyyA13gEBq

— KTLA (@KTLA) July 13, 2025

The group issued a public statement denouncing the arrest and claimed it occurred without warning or proper identification from officers.

However, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli publicly challenged that characterization on Sunday.

Essayli confirmed that Caravello had not been “kidnapped,” but was arrested after allegedly throwing a tear gas canister at federal law enforcement officers during the raid.

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“He was arrested for throwing a tear gas canister at law enforcement,” Essayli stated.

“He is charged with a violation of 18 USC 111 and will have a court appearance tomorrow.”

Professor Jonathan Caravello was not “kidnapped” by federal agents. He was arrested for throwing a tear gas canister at law enforcement. He is charged with a violation of 18 USC 111 and will have a court appearance tomorrow. https://t.co/QrIivjrthd

— U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) July 13, 2025

Under Title 18 U.S. Code § 111, it is a federal offense to forcibly assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, or interfere with federal officers engaged in the performance of official duties.

The charge is classified as a felony when it involves the use of a deadly or dangerous weapon.

KTLA included an editor’s note in its original article, stating that the outlet had reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment but had not received a response by the time of publication.

Despite later reporting Essayli’s statement, the outlet did not immediately update the initial article with the federal government’s explanation of the arrest.

The incident has reignited debate surrounding ICE operations and how they are portrayed in the media.

Federal law enforcement agencies have repeatedly said that their officers wear clearly marked uniforms with insignia such as “ICE” or “Border Patrol” and follow legal arrest procedures.

Claims of “kidnapping” or “disappearing” individuals have been widely circulated by advocacy groups, especially during high-profile operations, but federal officials argue that these descriptions misrepresent lawful arrests.

The Camarillo raid is part of a broader federal effort to enforce immigration laws at work sites, particularly in sectors where illegal labor is suspected.

Law enforcement officials have confirmed that the operation at the cannabis facility was conducted under federal warrants.

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