Large-Scale Operation Targets Illegal Marijuana Grows in Mecca, Calif. Area
MECCA, Calif. (June 18, 2025) — Federal agents carried out a major raid early Wednesday morning targeting multiple illegal marijuana grow operations near Thermal in the eastern Coachella Valley.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Los Angeles Field Division is leading the investigation. According to officials, the operation is supported by federal search warrants authorized by a federal magistrate judge and submitted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles.
Military-style vehicles, ICE, Border Patrol, and other federal agencies were seen throughout the area. Several armored vehicles and armed units moved into Mecca, prompting speculation online that an immigration raid was taking place. Authorities have confirmed this was not an immigration enforcement action, though immigration officers were present.
In a statement, the DEA said, “Due to the magnitude and topography of this operation, DEA has requested support from multiple federal partners.”
A post by the DEA Los Angeles Division confirmed those partners included the National Guard, U.S. Army, California Border Patrol, FBI, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles.
According to NewsNation, this was the largest law enforcement collaboration in the region’s recent history, involving more than 500 personnel, including 325 members of the California National Guard. Roughly 100 armored vehicles were also deployed. The coordinated effort targeted three massive illegal marijuana grows, all located on federal land. One of the sites spanned over 250 acres. The DEA noted that despite the legality of marijuana in California, these grow operations were illegal because they operated outside the state’s regulatory system and on federal land.
Law enforcement say between 70 and 75 undocumented individuals were detained during the raid. Officials say illegal labor is common in large-scale, unlicensed cannabis operations.
While the DEA maintains the mission was focused on illegal cultivation, immigrant rights organizations have expressed concern following reports of other federal activity in the area. One such report involved a raid at a Food 4 Less store in Indio, which some believe targeted farmworkers and other vulnerable residents.
“These raids, carried out by masked agents using military tactics, are unnecessary and harmful to working communities,” said a joint statement from TODEC and the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice. “There’s no clear plan or respect for people’s rights. We’re calling on leaders to demand transparency, stop these actions, and protect our families.”
The organizations say they are offering legal help and support to those affected. Individuals seeking assistance can visit the Riverside County Immigration Resource Web for more information.
Due to the nature of the investigation, law enforcement officials say they are limiting the release of details at this time.
This is a developing story. Stay with 760 News for continued coverage and updates.