The Drug Enforcement Administration led a large-scale raid Wednesday targeting nearly 800 acres of illegal marijuana grow sites in Southern California, with support from the National Guard and multiple federal agencies.
The enforcement effort was centered around the town of Thermal in the Coachella Valley.
Video released by the DEA, along with footage from local news outlets, showed dozens of agents raiding three major cultivation sites. The DEA said the size and scope of the operation prompted assistance from the FBI, IRS, U.S. Army, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the National Guard.
ICE’s involvement became clear when the agency reported that at least 70 undocumented individuals were arrested during the raids. One U.S. citizen was also taken into custody for interfering with law enforcement. During one search, authorities discovered two people locked inside a trailer.
