The rosy image of California’s progressive paradise took a massive hit this week after a federal raid on a high-profile cannabis farm uncovered a seedy underbelly of illegal labor, child exploitation, and deep ties to Democrat leadership.

On July 10, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stormed Glass House Farms, a well-known cannabis operation in Southern California, arresting 200 illegal immigrants and uncovering 10 children, many unaccompanied, working in the fields. One of the minors was as young as 14 years old.

The scandal exploded when federal authorities revealed that Graham Farrar, the farm’s president and board director, is not just another corporate executive—he’s a big-money donor to California Democrats, including $10,000 to Governor Gavin Newsom, according to FEC filings. In other words, the same politicians who claim to fight for “the little guy” are cozy with the man at the center of a potential child labor ring.

“Newsom’s California”: Crime, Chaos, and Child Labor

In a scathing statement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott exposed the full magnitude of what federal agents found:

“Ten juveniles were found at this marijuana facility—all illegal aliens, eight unaccompanied,” Scott posted on X. “It’s now under investigation for child labor violations. This is Newsom’s California.”

Scott went on to share images of one of the criminals ICE encountered during the raid—an illegal alien with convictions for kidnapping, attempted rape, and attempted child molestation — working side by side with minors.

“This felon was working at the same farm as 10 kids,” Scott revealed. “One being 14 years old.”

Farrar’s Damage Control and Democrat Silence

Glass House Farms quickly shifted into public relations mode. Their social media team claimed they had no knowledge of minors being employed and insisted they were complying with the investigation. Farrar added his own weak defense, saying, “We have a lot of questions too.”

Notably absent from the response? Accountability.

Democrats who’ve benefitted from Farrar’s campaign cash—especially Gavin Newsom—have remained largely silent, hoping the scandal will fade into the background. But Americans aren’t forgetting this one.

Republicans Step In While the Left Spins

Congressman Tom Emmer (R-MN) didn’t mince words, calling out the hypocrisy of Democrat leaders who bash ICE while benefiting from the labor of trafficked migrants:

“@ICEgov officers rescued 8 unaccompanied migrant children from potential exploitation, yet Gavin Newsom and Tim Walz continue to demonize these brave men and women,” Emmer said. “These governors don’t care about justice or safety—they care about their political agenda.”

Meanwhile, Oxnard Mayor Luis McArthur, a Democrat, took the opportunity to whine about the optics, complaining that ICE’s raid was “insensitive” to the local community. Apparently, protecting children from predators and forced labor isn’t politically convenient for California Democrats.

The Bottom Line

This raid pulled back the curtain on the real cost of open borders, weak enforcement, and Democrat corruption. While liberal elites rake in campaign donations and lecture Americans about “equity,” illegal labor and exploited children are fueling their pet industries—right under their noses.

The American people see through it. They’re done being lectured by politicians who turn a blind eye to exploitation while pocketing checks from the exploiters. And they’re ready for real leadership that puts children’s safety and the rule of law above partisan agendas.