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CBP and authorities reported that up to 10 juveniles, many unaccompanied minors, were rescued from the farms. These minors were reportedly subjected to dangerous conditions, and their presence on marijuana farms—a highly profitable illegal industry—highlights a disturbing nexus of drug trafficking, child labor, and human trafficking.
Political and Media Responses: A Divided Landscape
California Leaders Downplay Riots
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was questioned about the protests and violence surrounding the raids. Her response was striking: she claimed that the "quote-unquote riots" in LA "never happened." Her dismissive tone contradicted images of burning vehicles, injured officers, and violent clashes, suggesting a deliberate minimization of the chaos.