CSU Professor Acquitted of Assaulting U.S. Agents During Immigration Protest

Jonathan Caravello cleared of charges stemming from 2025 Camarillo protest against immigration raid

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:43pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a solitary tear gas canister rolling on the ground in an empty urban alleyway, the canister's metallic surface reflecting the warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the complex dynamics between protesters and law enforcement.The acquittal of a CSU professor accused of assaulting federal agents with a tear gas canister during an immigration protest highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement, activists, and immigrant communities.Los Angeles Today

A federal jury in Los Angeles has acquitted Cal State Channel Islands professor Jonathan Caravello of charges that he assaulted U.S. Border Patrol agents with a tear gas canister during a 2025 protest against an immigration raid at a cannabis farm in Camarillo, California. Caravello, a math and philosophy lecturer, was initially charged with a felony but the case went through several turns before reaching trial, where he was found not guilty.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement, immigrant communities, and activists over immigration enforcement actions. Caravello's acquittal affirms the right to protest such actions, though the California Faculty Association noted the 'beatings, the surveillance, and the trauma' protesters have endured.

The details

Prosecutors alleged that during the July 2025 protest, Caravello ran toward a tear gas canister deployed by agents, kicked it, and then picked it up and threw it back at them. Caravello said he was trying to protect those around him by clearing the canister away. His attorney argued the tear gas had been deployed indiscriminately by law enforcement. After initially charging Caravello with a felony, prosecutors later downgraded the charge to a misdemeanor before a federal grand jury reinstated the felony.

  • On July 10, 2025, federal agents executed a search warrant at a cannabis farm in Camarillo, California, leading to a protest.
  • In August 2025, Caravello pleaded not guilty to the initial charges.
  • In April 2026, a federal jury in Los Angeles acquitted Caravello of the assault charges.

The players

Jonathan Caravello

A 38-year-old U.S. citizen and lecturer in math and philosophy at Cal State Channel Islands, who was acquitted of assaulting federal agents during a 2025 protest against an immigration raid.

Knut Johnson

Caravello's attorney, who argued his client had acted to protect those around him, not harm federal agents.

California Faculty Association

The union representing Cal State faculty, which celebrated Caravello's acquittal and said the decision affirmed his right to protest.

Cal State Channel Islands

The university where Caravello is employed, which said his employment status has not changed throughout the proceedings.

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What they’re saying

“I knew I didn't assault anyone and wasn't going to take a plea. If I had ended up in prison, I wouldn't have regretted taking this to trial.”

— Jonathan Caravello, CSU Professor

“A law firm as powerful as the United States Department of Justice should never use their might to prosecute cases like this. Going through nine months of accusations to a trial is incredibly stressful and will take years off your life, and John shouldn't have gone through that.”

— Knut Johnson, Caravello's Attorney

“The beatings, the surveillance, and the trauma that John and others across the state and nation have had to endure cannot be ignored.”

— California Faculty Association

What’s next

Caravello said he hopes his acquittal will encourage others to continue protesting against immigration enforcement actions, though he advised they do so 'with tact' to avoid potential legal consequences.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement, immigrant communities, and activists over immigration enforcement, and affirms the right to protest such actions, even in the face of aggressive prosecution by the federal government.