CSU Channel Islands Professor Arrested, Accused of Assaulting ICE Agents at Cannabis Farm Raid

California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) philosophy and mathematics professor Jonathan Anthony Caravello was released on a $15,000 bond at the Central District of California United States District Court in Los Angeles on Monday, several days after being arrested for allegedly attacking ICE agents at a cannabis farm raid in Ventura County.

The charges date back to Thursday, where Caravello was among several protesters outside the Glass House cannabis farm in Camarillo during an immigration raid. Around 361 illegal immigrants were arrested during the raid, 14 of whom were children.

“At the California marijuana facilities, ICE and CBP law enforcement rescued at least 14 migrant children from what looks like exploitation, forced child labor, and potentially human trafficking or smuggling while facing assault and even gunfire. Our brave agents also arrested at least 361 illegal aliens—including criminals with convictions for rape, serial burglary, hit and run and DUIs” explained DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “As Secretary Noem stated, this is quickly becoming one of the largest operations since President Trump took office.”

“Workers were detained and we are assisting to provide them legal representation,” said the farm in a statement. “Glass House has never knowingly violated applicable hiring practices and does not and has never employed minors.”

“The UFW can confirm farm workers were critically injured yesterday during chaotic raids in Ventura County, California,” added the United Farm Workers (UFW) union. “Others, including US citizens remain totally unaccounted for. Farm workers are excluded from basic child labor laws and it is unfortunately not uncommon for teenagers to work in the fields. To be clear: detaining and deporting children is not a solution for child labor.”

However, the large numbers of protesters, mixed with reports of a gun being fired, led the ICE and Border Patrol agents there to take greater precautions, including tear gas. Protesters then began throwing rocks. According to the affidavit, Caravello, who had been using a megaphone loudly playing a siren, attempted to kick a tear gas cannister towards agents, but missed. This caused him to take greater action.

“Caravello turned around, ran towards the canister, picked it up, and threw the canister overhand back at BP agents,” said the report. “A BP Agent reported that the canister was thrown at law enforcement and recalls that the canister came within approximately several feet above law enforcement’s heads.”

Caravello then left the scene, but returned two hours later after changing clothing.

“After determining he was the individual who threw the canister, two border patrol agents attempted to arrest him just before 6 p.m. As BP agents arrested Caravello, they placed him on his stomach on the ground,” added the complaint. “BP Agent R.C. gave Caravello verbal commands to give law enforcement officers his arms but Caravello would not comply and attempted to grab a BP Agent’s leg. As BP Agent R.C. and other BP agents attempted to detain Caravello, Caravello continuously kicked his legs and refused to give the BP agents his arms.”

CSUCI professor arrested

Caravello was then arrested. However, the California Faculty Association (CFA) then claimed in an Instagram post that Caravello wasn’t arrested, but was kidnapped by ICE agents, despite the arrest being recorded on Border Patrol agent body cameras.

“Jonathan Anthony Caravello. DOB: 02/16/1988. Professor at CSU Channel Islands,” read the CFA post. “Kidnapped by unidentified ICE agents at 2:33pm, Thursday July 10th at Las Posas Rd/Laguna Rd community ICE defense protest. 4 masked agents dragged Jonathan away into an unmarked reason without identifying themselves, without giving the reason for arrest, and without disclosing where they are taking him. It has been over 24 hours since Jonathan’s disappearance and he does not have his medication with him.”

On Friday, CSUCI gave a statement on X, claiming that he was peacefully protesting.

“California State University Channel Islands is aware of reports that Professor Jonathan Anthony Caravello of CSU Channel Islands, a legal U.S. citizen, was taken into federal custody during a protest at Glass House Farms in Camarillo. At this time, it is our understanding that Professor Caravello was peacefully participating in a protest—an act protected under the First Amendment and a right guaranteed to all Americans,” said CSUCI. “If confirmed, we stand with elected officials and community leaders calling for his immediate release.”

As a result, federal agencies swiftly responded that he was arrested for the tear gas incident, and was not “abducted.” Instead, the timing of his arrest right before the weekend led to him being held for a few days longer than usual.

“Professor Jonathan Caravello was not “kidnapped” by federal agents,” U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli clarified on X. “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.”

All of this led to Caravello’s hearing on Monday where Magistrate Judge Maria A. Audero ordered his release on a $15,000 bond and set his arraignment for August 1st. Later on Monday, he was seen leaving the courthouse with an ankle monitor on his leg.

It is currently unknown what kind of punishment Caravello faces as he has not been arraigned yet, nor is it known if CSUCI will fire him over the incident. However, the affidavit made it clear that Caravello was arrested, silencing many groups who earlier claimed that he was abducted.