Jonathan Caravello, a math and philosophy professor, is charged with assault on a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon after a July 10 protest against immigration raids at Glass House Farms in Camarillo.
READ MORE | CSU Channel Islands professor arrested over tear gas canister incident at Camarillo immigration raid
CSU Channel Islands professor arrested over tear gas canister incident at Camarillo immigration raid
Federal prosecutors alleged Caravello picked up and threw back a tear gas canister that agents deployed for crowd control during the immigration enforcement operation. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted.
Supporters, including the California Faculty Association, dispute the government's account, claiming Caravello was trying to remove the canister from underneath a disabled protester's wheelchair and was peacefully protesting when federal agents detained him.
Caravello was arrested during the protest and was held in custody for several days before being released on $15,000 bond.
"We demand that the injustice charges against Dr. Caravello be dropped immediately," said Michelle Ramos Pellicia with the California Faculty Association.
Caravello, wearing an ankle monitor, thanked supporters after the hearing.
'"I just want to thank all the people out here in support of me. It makes this difficult situation easier, not necessarily easy, but it makes it easier," he said.
Defense attorney Knut Johnson said Caravello was reacting to agents' actions.
"They rolled it at him and some other protesters as they were walking away and he threw back over their heads," Johnson said.
Caravello's trial is scheduled for March 2026, unless prosecutors drop the case.