Cal State professor charged with hurling tear gas canisters at ICE agents
A California college professor has found himself in hot water after allegedly throwing tear gas canisters back at federal agents during a raid on a pot farm this summer. Jonathan Anthony Caravello, a 37-year-old math and philosophy professor at California State University Channel Islands, was indicted on felony charges for assaulting a federal officer during the incident.
The clash occurred during a massive operation by Homeland Security and US Border Patrol on July 10 at Glass House Farms in Ventura County. Over 300 allegedly illegal workers were detained, prompting protesters to gather near the farm and block the agents from leaving. As tensions escalated, rocks were thrown at government vehicles, leading to the deployment of tear gas by the officers.
In the midst of the chaos, Caravello allegedly picked up a tear gas canister and hurled it back at the officers. He then left the protest, changed his clothes, and returned two hours later. Authorities identified him as the individual responsible for throwing the canister and took him into custody. Despite initially facing felony assault charges, the charges were later downgraded to a misdemeanor.
Caravello pleaded guilty on August 25, stating that his actions were motivated by a desire to protect people and that he never intended to harm anyone. However, a grand jury reviewed his case this week and indicted him on a felony count of assaulting a federal agent. He is currently free on a $15,000 bond and is expected to be arraigned in the United States District Court in Los Angeles.
California State University Channel Islands has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident. If convicted, Caravello could face up to 20 years in prison. The Department of Justice is handling the case, and the professor’s future remains uncertain as legal proceedings continue.
