California Professor Arrested For Allegedly Throwing Gas Canister At Law Enforcement During ICE Raid

A California professor was arrested for allegedly throwing a gas canister at ICE agents during a raid on a marijuana farm last week.

Jonathan Anthony Caravello is a math and philosophy professor at California State University Channel Islands,

U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli discussed his case when reacting to a claim by the California Faculty Association, which alleged he had been kidnapped by law enforcement authorities.

"Professor Jonathan Caravello was not "kidnapped" by federal agents. He was arrested for throwing a tear gas canister at law enforcement. He is charged with a violation of 18 USC 111," he said.

The faculty association claimed that "4 masked agents dragged" the professor away into an unmarked van without identifying themselves and giving him the reason for an arrest.

A criminal complaint obtained by the Ojai Valley News showed that "dozens of protestors attempt to obstruct the execution of the high-risk search warrant." It adds that the group began throwing rocks at government vehicles, causing "large-scale damage, including broken windows, broken side view mirrors, and frame damage to the vehicles."

"Caravello turned around, ran towards the canister, picked it up, and threw the canister overhand back at BP agents," the complaint adds. "A BP Agent reported that the canister was thrown at law enforcement and recalls that the canister came within approximately several feet above law enforcement's heads."

Caravello has been released on a $15,000 bail, with arraignment set for August 1.

In this context, migrant advocates are threatening to conduct a two-day strike in California to protest widespread raids. The strike is planned for the end of the week, with the public being asked to boycott fruits, vegetable, meat and poultry products.

Border Report quoted Flor Martinez, who organized a rally in downtown Los Angeles to call for the strike, saying the demonstration wouldn't be "just for us," but also "for the soul of this country."

Martinez put the focus on the amount of migrants working in the state's farm industry, claiming they are largely responsible for the fact that 80% of all fruits and nuts are grown in the state, the figure being 60% for vegetables and 90% for grapes.

"Who feeds your children? Will you stand with the people behind your food? Because a nation that eats from exploited hands is a nation in crisis," she added.