URGENT UPDATE: The family of a farmworker who tragically died following an ICE raid at a cannabis grow house in Camarillo is taking action, filing a federal court claim demanding accountability. This critical development comes just days after Jaime Alanís Garcia fell 30 feet from a building during an enforcement operation at Glass House Farms, raising serious concerns about the conduct of federal agents.
The incident occurred last month when Alanís Garcia was reportedly attempting to escape from ICE agents. He suffered severe injuries, including a broken neck and skull, and died in the hospital two days later. His family alleges that ICE agents executed an illegal search and seizure and used excessive force during the operation.
Attorney Robbie Munoz emphasized the devastating impact of this incident: “He expected this to be like any other day. He showed up to work, he expected that he was going to be able to perform his job, and go home to his family, and he never had that opportunity.” The family’s claim seeks damages for Alanís Garcia’s pain and suffering before his death, alongside medical expenses, lost earnings, and funeral costs.
In a separate wrongful death action, Alanís Garcia’s wife and daughter are pursuing compensation for the loss of financial support and services he would have provided. This legal move highlights the profound emotional and financial strain on the family following this tragic event.
Should ICE deny or fail to respond to their claim within six months, the family plans to escalate the matter by filing a lawsuit in federal court. Eyewitness News has reached out to ICE for comments regarding the claims but has yet to receive a response.
In the wake of Alanís Garcia’s death, Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, issued a statement asserting that Alanís Garcia was not in ICE custody and was not being pursued when he fell. “This individual climbed up to the roof of a greenhouse and fell 30 feet. CBP immediately called a medivac to the scene to get him care as quickly as possible,” she said.
As this situation develops, the family continues to seek answers and justice for their loved one, emphasizing the need for accountability in the operations of federal agents. This tragic incident raises broader questions about the treatment of farmworkers and the enforcement practices of immigration authorities.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds, and as the family fights for the answers they deserve.
