CSU Professor Acquitted After Being Charged with Assaulting Federal Immigration Agents in Raid

Dr. John Caravello faced up to 20 years in prison after federal prosecutors charged him with assaulting federal immigration officers by allegedly throwing a tear gas canister during a July immigration raid at a cannabis farm in Camarillo, California. After a tense nine-month legal battle, Caravello was acquitted on Friday.

The philosophy professor did not deny throwing the canister but insisted he only tossed it away from people and over the agents’ heads to protect community members from harm. His defense argued that his actions were a form of peaceful resistance rather than an assault.

Caravello’s case is far from isolated. Since his arrest, students, educators, and activists have rallied around him, emphasizing that federal authorities frequently use assault charges to suppress dissent and intimidate those who stand up against immigration enforcement abuses. Sandra Samanea, an activist who spent three months detained after supporting Caravello, called out the government’s overreach, saying, “The United States government locked me up for simply standing up for my community.”

Samanea is part of a group known as “The Baldwin Park Three,” who were also targeted with serious charges—including doxing and stalking—after following an unmarked government vehicle. Though acquitted on some counts, two members were found guilty of stalking and are currently appealing.

The California Faculty Association’s president noted that federal prosecutors have yet to win a single “assault on a federal officer” case in recent times, interpreting these charges as attempts to bully peaceful protesters and community defenders.

Despite repeated requests, the Justice Department has not responded to inquiries about the verdict.

This case underscores a disturbing trend of federal agencies weaponizing the legal system to quash opposition to immigration raids and to silence those who defend vulnerable communities. Caravello’s acquittal is a rare victory in a broader fight against government intimidation tactics that threaten civil rights and democratic accountability.