CSUCI professor accused of throwing tear gas canister at federal authorities during ICE raid

CSU professor arrested for allegedly throwing tear gas canister during ICE protest

A CSU Channel Islands professor, Jonathan Anthony Caravello, was arrested during a federal immigration raid at Glass House Farms in Camarillo on Thursday, July 10.

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. - A California State University, Channel Islands professor who was arrested last week during an immigration raid on a cannabis farm in Camarillo appeared in court Monday and was released on bond.

What we know:

Jonathan Anthony Caravello, was detained by federal agents during a protest at Glass House Farms on Thursday, July 10. According to the CSUCI's staff directory, Caravello is a lecturer in the math department. 

In a statement, U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said Caravello was arrested for allegedly throwing a tear gas canister at law enforcement during the raid. 

"He is charged with a violation of 18 USC 111 and will have a court appearance tomorrow," he posted on Sunday, July 13. 

During a court hearing Monday in downtown Los Angeles, U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria A. Audero ordered Caravello be released on a $15,000 bond and scheduled his arraignment for Aug. 1. No plea was taken.

According to some reports, Caravello was trying to dislodge a tear gas canister that was stuck underneath someone's wheelchair when he was taken into custody. However, Essayli alleges Caravello was arrested for throwing a canister.

Local perspective:

Also on Sunday, members of the California Faculty Association and the community gathered for a rally at Oxnard City Hall demanding the release of Caravello and others detained during the raid. 

SUGGESTED: ICE agents, protesters clash during raid at Ventura County cannabis farm

"As part of our union's anti-racism and social justice agenda, we show up for our immigrant communities, including faculty and students engaged in efforts to stop and protect our communities from the invasion of ICE, DHD, National Guard, and local law enforcement," read a statement from the California Faculty Association.

What they're saying:

CSUCI has since issued a statement on Caravello's arrest, saying officials are "gathering additional information to fully understand the circumstances of the incident." 

"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. If confirmed, we stand with elected officials and community leaders calling for his immediate release.

The California State University remains committed to the principles of free expression, academic freedom, and due process, and will continue to monitor the situation closely."

SUGGESTED: Ventura County ICE raid: Farmworker killed, others unaccounted for, union says

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) released a statement Monday celebrating his release. They called his arrest unjust, and said it underscores a pattern of racial profiling and retaliation against union members and community leaders for speaking out. 

"The arrest of Professor Caravello was an outrageous abuse of power and an attack on basic freedoms. He never should have been detained in the first place. His release is a step toward justice, but thousands of working people remain unjustly held. SEIU stands with CFA and all those who believe in the right to speak out without fear of retaliation. We will not rest until all workers, no matter where they come from, are free, safe, and respected," Rocío Sáenz, Executive Vice President of SEIU, said in a statement. 

The backstory:

More than 300 allegedly undocumented immigrants were arrested during the raids at Glass House Farms in Camarillo and Carpinteria, according to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. DHS also said that agents found 14 minors at the marijuana farm, including eight unaccompanied minors. 

DHS said they were executing criminal warrants, investigating Glass House for hiring undocumented immigrants.

Glass House posted on social media after the raids Thursday, saying that "Glass House has never knowingly violated applicable hiring practices and does not and has never employed minors."

SUGGESTED: Undocumented kids found during raid of Ventura County farm: DHS

In addition to the hundreds of detainees on Thursday, United Farm Workers, the union that represents employees at the farm, said in a statement that one farmworker had died after the raid, and that more were critically injured. 

Noem said that agents dealing with protesters outside the facility "faced assaults, violence, and even bullets fired at them." The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for info leading to the person accused of shooting at agents during the protests in Camarillo.