Today, Representative Mike Garcia (CA-25) was on the ground with local, state, and federal law enforcement officers as they conducted the largest raid in LA County history. 
 
While illegal marijuana grows have been impacting the region for the past few years, the current lack of border security has fueled the problem. The raid comes after Rep. Garcia drew national attention to the issue and raised awareness on the need for action from local law enforcement. 
 
“Today’s historic raid marks needed progress in our fight to combat the illegal marijuana grows wreaking havoc on communities in California’s 25th District,” said Garcia. “I am thankful to LA County Sheriff Villanueva for taking action on this problem, and for all the law enforcement officers who are helping combat this problem.”
 
A few weeks ago, at a House Appropriations Committee Commerce, Justice, Science Subcommittee hearing, Garcia asked U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland about what the Department of Justice, specifically the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), is doing to combat the illegal marijuana grows. The Attorney General agreed to talk with the DEA about the problem. 
 
“It was good to see the DEA playing an important role in today’s raid,” said Garcia. “I am grateful that the Attorney General listened to my call for action from the DEA.”
 
Garcia, who sits on the House Appropriations Committee, remains committed to ensuring that law enforcement receive the funding and support they need to combat this problem. Garcia continues to call for President Joe Biden to secure the nation’s border, as the current lack of border security is fueling the illegal marijuana grows.
 
“I am pleased that today law and order was enforced, and we were able to combat many illegal marijuana grows,” said Garcia. “However, let me be clear – if we do not secure our nation’s border and we do not ensure that our law enforcement receive the funding necessary to do their jobs – this problem will only grow.”
 
Garcia is working in Congress to address the overtime pay cap placed on law enforcement officers that is currently hindering local law enforcement from fully combating the illegal grows. Garcia will continue to work with local, state, and federal entities to combat the illegal marijuana grows problem. 
 
Click here to watch Garcia’s remarks at the press conference following the raid. 

Click here to read Garcia’s op-ed on illegal marijuana grows in the Washington Examiner.