LOS ANGELES (BN24) — A California farmworker who fell from the roof of a greenhouse during a large-scale immigration raid this week has died from his injuries, his family confirmed Saturday.
Jaime Alanis, 57, became the first known casualty linked to the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement operations. His niece, Yesenia Duran, told The Associated Press he passed away after spending two days on life support at Ventura County Medical Center.
Alanis, a longtime employee of Glass House Farms, had worked at the facility in Camarillo for a decade, growing tomatoes, cucumbers, and cannabis. According to Duran, he was the sole breadwinner for his wife and daughter in Mexico, to whom he regularly sent his wages.
The United Farm Workers initially announced Alanis’ death late Friday, but hospital officials clarified Saturday morning that he remained alive but in critical condition. Later that day, the family authorized confirmation of his death.
“These violent and cruel federal actions terrorize American communities, disrupt the American food supply chain, threaten lives, and separate families,” the UFW said in a statement posted to X. The union does not represent the Glass House workers.
The Department of Homeland Security said the operation executed criminal search warrants on Thursday at Glass House facilities in Camarillo and Carpinteria. Federal agents detained approximately 200 people suspected of being in the U.S. without legal status and identified at least 10 minors on the properties. Officials said Alanis was not among those being sought.
According to family members, Alanis called relatives in panic, saying he was hiding and feared being arrested. Witnesses said he climbed onto the roof, where he lost his footing and fell nearly 30 feet (9 meters), suffering catastrophic injuries.
“This man was not in and has not been in CBP or ICE custody,” DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. “Although he was not being pursued by law enforcement, this individual climbed onto the roof of a greenhouse and fell. CBP immediately called for medical evacuation to get him care as quickly as possible.”
The chaotic raid also led to the arrests of four U.S. citizens accused of assaulting or resisting federal agents. DHS announced a $50,000 reward for information about a suspect who allegedly fired a gun at officers during the operation.
As news of the raid spread, crowds of worried relatives and demonstrators gathered outside the Camarillo facility, facing off with heavily armed authorities in tactical helmets. Protesters ultimately dispersed as plumes of green and white smoke filled the air.
Glass House Farms said federal agents presented valid warrants. The company stated it is assisting affected employees by providing legal representation.
“Glass House has never knowingly violated applicable hiring practices and does not and has never employed minors,” the company said.
Campaign finance records show co-founder Graham Farrar has donated to California Democrats, including Governor Gavin Newsom, a frequent critic of President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Co-founder Kyle Kazan has contributed to both Democrats and Republicans.
