A Cal State Channel Islands professor who was arrested during an immigration raid at a Camarillo cannabis farm pleaded not guilty Monday in a Los Angeles federal courtroom to interfering with an ICE takedown.
Jonathan Caravello, 37, a U.S. citizen and a lecturer in CSUCI’s math department, was detained by immigration agents during a massive raid that unfolded last month at the Glass House Farms cannabis operation in Camarillo, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli issued a statement on X in July saying Caravello was charged with assaulting, resisting or impeding an officer. The professor was arrested on suspicion of throwing a tear-gas canister at law enforcement, Essayli said.
At his arraignment Monday, a tentative trial date of Oct. 14 was set.
During a previous court hearing in downtown Los Angeles, U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria A. Audero ordered Caravello released on a $15,000 bond.
According to some media reports, Caravello was trying to dislodge a tear gas canister that was stuck underneath someone’s wheelchair when he was taken into custody. However, Essayli alleges Caravello was arrested for throwing a canister.
CSUCI previously released a statement on Caravello’s arrest, saying the university was “currently gathering additional information to fully understand the circumstances of the incident.”
The statement said, “At this time, it is our understanding that Professor Caravello was peacefully participating in a protest — an act protected under the First Amendment and a right guaranteed to all Americans. If confirmed, we stand with elected officials and community leaders calling for his immediate release.
“The California State University remains committed to the principles of free expression, academic freedom, and due process, and will continue to monitor the situation closely.”