University Defends ‘Radical’ Professor Who Attacked ICE Agents During Raid

A California college professor is facing federal charges after allegedly launching a tear gas canister at U.S. immigration agents during a high-stakes raid on a massive illegal cannabis operation tied to human trafficking and child labor.

The raid, which unfolded last Thursday under the direction of President Trump’s revitalized ICE force, marks the second-largest immigration enforcement action on U.S. soil since his return to office.

Jonathan Anthony Caravello, a math professor at California State University Channel Islands, is accused of assaulting federal officers with a tear gas canister as chaos broke out between agents and a mob of nearly 500 protesters, many of whom carried Mexican flags and hurled rocks at law enforcement.

“He was not ‘kidnapped.’ He was arrested for attacking federal officers during a lawful operation,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli in a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter). “The professor crossed a dangerous line.”

Caravello has been formally charged under 18 USC 111 for assaulting, resisting, or impeding a federal officer. According to the affidavit, Caravello was caught on bodycam footage picking up a tear gas canister and hurling it back at ICE agents in an overhand throw. He also allegedly disrupted officers with a siren-blaring megaphone and physically resisted arrest by kicking and grabbing at agents’ legs.

He fled the scene initially but returned hours later in different clothes and was taken into custody.

Caravello was released Monday on a $15,000 bond and is currently wearing an ankle monitor.

In a tone-deaf move that’s drawing backlash, the California Faculty Association and CSU Channel Islands have thrown their support behind Caravello, framing the arrest as an attack on free speech.

“Jonathan is a deeply committed educator and mentor who showed up for their students and immigrant communities,” CFA wrote in a post, intentionally using gender-neutral pronouns. “We are in this fight and will not stop until no one is criminalized for speaking out against injustices.”

The university echoed the union’s stance, claiming Caravello’s actions were part of “a peaceful protest”—despite federal footage showing otherwise.

The ICE operation targeted Glass House Farms in Ventura County, a suspected hub for human trafficking, forced labor, and exploitation of minors. Over 360 illegal aliens were arrested. Authorities say at least 14 children, believed to be victims of trafficking from Mexico and Honduras, were found working under potentially coercive conditions.

One of those detained has a documented history of child exploitation attempts. Several others have prior felony records.

“President Trump has made it clear: America’s immigration laws will be enforced, and no sanctuary state will shield criminals or traffickers,” said DHS spokesperson Natalie Morales.

Federal agents faced an onslaught of aggression during the raid, including rock-throwing, the use of makeshift barricades, and even a suspected gunshot fired in their direction. Tear gas was deployed to break up the crowd after agitators refused to disperse.

The violent scene is a stark reminder of the growing extremism within left-wing academic circles and activist groups—many of whom now resort to physical confrontation in defense of illegal activity.

Thursday’s raid is the largest of Trump’s second term and the most significant ICE workplace enforcement since the 2019 Mississippi chicken plant bust. Law enforcement officials say this is just the beginning.

“There’s more coming,” one ICE agent told Fox News. “The days of looking the other way are over.”

A taxpayer-funded college professor is now a defendant in a federal criminal case after allegedly attacking ICE officers during an operation to rescue trafficked children and dismantle an illegal cannabis operation. And instead of condemning violence, California’s academic elites are defending it.

In Trump’s America, the law is back—and no protest, professor, or sanctuary policy is above it.