DHS Releases Update on Criminal Illegal Aliens Arrested, Children Rescued During Marijuana Grow Site Operation

Strategic Insights -

Federal law enforcement officers executed warrant operations at two marijuana grow sites in California, rescuing at least 14 migrant children from potential exploitation and forced labor. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has transferred 10 unaccompanied children to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In total, 361 illegal aliens were arrested, including individuals with serious criminal convictions such as rape, child molestation, and kidnapping. The operation also led to the arrest of 11 individuals with prior deportations or convictions for various crimes.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 14 migrant children were rescued from potential exploitation and forced labor during the operation at two marijuana grow sites in California.
  • 10 unaccompanied children have been transferred to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) after being rescued.
  • 361 illegal aliens were arrested, including individuals with serious criminal convictions such as rape, child molestation, and kidnapping.
  • 11 individuals with prior deportations or convictions for various crimes, including Santos Alberto Rodriguez-Jacinto, who was previously arrested for Terroristic Threats in 2006 and 2011.
  • Individuals with prior convictions for crimes such as willful cruelty to a child (Josefina Lopez-Martinez), possession with intent to sell narcotics (Jorge Luis Anaya-Garcia), battery (Jose Vasquez-Lopez), and indecent exposure (Jesus Hernandez-Ramirez) were also arrested.
  • Christina Martinez-Modesto, an illegal alien from Mexico, was arrested for misdemeanor assault and battery of her spouse.
  • Cinthia Paola Cardona-Mendoza, an illegal alien from Mexico, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.
  • Adriana Gonzalez-Gonzalez, an illegal alien from Mexico, was arrested for burglary and a prior DUI.
  • DHS law enforcement arrested violent and dangerous criminal illegal aliens while rescuing children from potential exploitation and forced labor.
  • The operation was executed at two marijuana grow sites in Carpinteria and Camarillo, California.

Statistics:

  • 14 migrant children were rescued from potential exploitation and forced labor.
  • 10 unaccompanied children have been transferred to HHS.
  • 361 illegal aliens were arrested.
  • 11 individuals with prior deportations or convictions for various crimes were arrested.
  • Over $2 million in cash was seized at one of the marijuana grow sites.
  • On July 10, 2025, federal law enforcement officers executed warrant operations at two marijuana grow sites in California.

Sources:

  • [1] DHS.gov, "DHS Releases Update on Criminal Illegal Aliens Arrested, Children Rescued During Marijuana Grow Site Operation" (July 14, 2025)
  • [2] U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) News Release (July 14, 2025)