On Friday, the White House posted a digitally altered image on X mocking Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), labeling him “cryin’ Jimmy” in response to his criticism of a federal immigration raid on a Southern California cannabis farm.
The post stated, “ICE: Raids marijuana farms filled with illegal aliens,” and attributed a mock quote to Gomez, “Cryin’ Jimmy: ‘ThEy’Re JuSt StRaWbErRy PiCkErS,’” adding, “That ain’t produce, holmes. THAT’S PRODUCT.”
Gomez had accused President Donald Trump of misleading the public by claiming the raids targeted only criminals, writing on X, “How many MS-13 gang members are waking up at 3 a.m. to pick strawberries? O’yeah, zero! Trump said he’d go after ‘bad hombres,’ but he’s targeting the immigrant farm workers who feed America.”
Immigration Raid Sparks Political Backlash
The raid, conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and National Guard members in Camarillo, California, resulted in dozens of arrests, including undocumented minors, according to KTLA, which aired footage of protesters and apparent raid targets fleeing tear gas.
Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott announced the farm is under investigation for child labor violations, noting, “10 minors in the country illegally were found at the facility.”
The cannabis company issued a statement on social media, asserting compliance with federal search warrants and denying the employment of minors, stating it “has never knowingly violated applicable hiring practices.”
Democratic Leaders Respond to Raid
Gomez’s critique followed President Trump’s announcement that he would not offer amnesty to migrant farmworkers but would support the agriculture industry through a new program.
In response to Gomez, Vice President Vance defended the raid on X, stating, “Democrats are having a fit because we’re enforcing our laws against people working at a weed farm.”
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung also targeted Gomez, writing, “Jimmy Gomez must be getting high off that Strawberry Kush because this is a weed farm found to have exploited juveniles here illegally.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) condemned the raids, calling Trump “the real scum” and sharing KTLA’s video, prompting the Department of Homeland Security to reply, “Why are there children working at a marijuana facility, Gavin?” The exchange emphasizes the ongoing tensions over immigration policy.
Implications of the Dispute
The clash between the White House and Democratic leaders like Gomez and Newsom highlights the polarized discourse surrounding immigration enforcement.
While the Trump administration emphasizes law enforcement and child protection, critics argue the raids unfairly target vulnerable workers.
The Camarillo operation, which involved military-style tactics and arrests, has raised questions about the balance between immigration enforcement and labor rights, particularly given the allegations of child labor violations.
As the investigation into the cannabis farm continues, the public debate is likely to intensify, with both sides citing the raid to support their political objectives on immigration and federal authority.
