Santa Maria, Calif. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) says a recent raid in Santa Maria, which drew a crowd of protesters, was part of a visa fraud investigation.
Residents report that federal agents arrived at 5:30 a.m. Thursday in the East Valley Farms neighborhood, using bright lights, drones, and loud commands to order occupants out of a property. Rutilio Vázquez, a local resident, said agents instructed, “We want you to come out with hands on your head,” while identifying themselves as federal law enforcement.
ICE reports that three undocumented individuals from Mexico and one U.S. citizen were arrested. Investigators allege that labor recruiter Jorge Vasquez collected illegal fees — in some cases up to $8,000, including a $1,000 upfront deposit — in exchange for opportunities to work in the U.S. under H-2A visas.
Authorities say the fees were deducted from workers’ wages, and employees were threatened with violence or deportation if they refused to pay or reported the violations to inspectors.
During the raid, several community members attempted to confront law enforcement, prompting agents to deploy flash-bangs to disperse the crowd. Vázquez said he was questioned about his immigration status and confirmed he was undocumented, but agents assured him he would not be deported. However, his children’s Social Security cards and other personal items, including laptops, purses, and cell phones, were taken and have not yet been returned.
ICE says the arrests are part of a broader effort involving Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Labor, and the Department of State, targeting foreign labor contracting and visa compliance.
