Representative Mike Garcia (CA-25) joined Sheriff Alex Villanueva and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) for a press conference detailing the recent 10-day illegal marijuana eradication operation in the Antelope Valley. According to LASD, this operation resulted in 105 felony arrests, over 28 tons of marijuana seized, and 40 firearms recovered (including 11 “ghost guns”).

“When you went out to the High Desert a year ago, thirteen months ago, with your own eyes, just sitting on a bluff, you could see up to a hundred of these illegal nurseries,” said Garcia. “Today, when you get out there, you have to get in a helicopter to find them.”

Rep. Mike Garcia stood with LASD at the press conference.

During this operation, Garcia took an aerial tour of the progress being made, visited an illegal grow site amid demolition, and spoke with local law enforcement. The success of the operation is credited to the local, state, and federal officials and law enforcement, as well as the residents of the Antelope Valley.

“What we’ve proven is when elected officials do their jobs and look out for their constituents and cooperate with each other regardless of political party or personal agendas that we can actually make a difference,” said Garcia.
Rep. Mike Garcia observed seized firearms from the illegal grow sites.

Garcia continued to urge U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to remove the current overtime cap of $19,000 that is placed on law enforcement. Removing the cap would enable local law enforcement to put in the time necessary to eradicate these grows. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Garcia helped to secure funds through the Department of Justice, allowing local law enforcement to carry out these illegal grow eradication operations.

Before and after illegal marijuana grow site demolition.

In addition to advocating for the support of local law enforcement, Garcia stressed the importance of a secure border.

“I’m an immigrant. I’m a proud American. I’m a very proud American who abides by the law, but this open border is chaos right now and it’s literally manifesting in our own backyard,” said Garcia. “So please, Mr. President, secure our borders so that we don’t have to live like this in the suburbs of California.” 

Click here to watch Garcia speak at the LASD press conference. 
Click here to read about Garcia’s visit to the illegal grow sites.