DEA Investigation Leads to Approximately 70 Arrests at Illegal Cannabis Operations Near Thermal

OG article Jesus Reyes

june 19, 2025

On June 18, 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Los Angeles Field Division executed a significant operation targeting multiple illegal cannabis cultivation sites near Thermal, California. The operation, authorized by federal search warrants issued by a federal magistrate judge from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, resulted in substantial enforcement actions.

Preliminary reports indicate that 70 to 75 undocumented migrants were apprehended, and at least one U.S. citizen was arrested for obstructing law enforcement. The operations spanned 787 acres in the eastern Coachella Valley.

The DEA Los Angeles Field Division (Riverside District Office) led the investigation, with support from multiple federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Although the operation was not led by ICE, agents from ICE and CBP were present to provide assistance due to the scale and complex terrain of the sites. The DEA noted that the ongoing nature of the investigation limits further details at this time.

Statement from Riverside County Supervisor Manuel Perez

Supervisor Perez issued the following statement regarding the operations:

“The enforcement actions on June 18, 2025, have caused significant concern and disruption in Coachella Valley communities. Reports describe aggressive operations, including an incident at a Food 4 Less in Indio, targeting vulnerable populations such as farmworkers. These actions, conducted by masked agents using paramilitary tactics, are disproportionate and disruptive to communities of hardworking individuals. Such operations undermine due process and destabilize families.

We call on federal leaders to advocate for transparency, accountability, and an immediate halt to these distressing actions that fracture communities. Riverside County is coordinating with local organizations, including TODEC and the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, to provide resources and legal assistance to affected individuals. For support, please visit Riverside County’s Immigration Resource website.

We stand in solidarity with our migrant community, today and always.”

Additional Details

The operation involved a visible presence of federal agents and military vehicles in the eastern Coachella Valley, as reported by local residents and confirmed by News Channel 3 crews. The DEA emphasized that the investigation remains active, and further updates will be provided as appropriate.

By Jesus Reyes