WASHINGTON, July 13 (Reuters) - Federal officials on Sunday defended President Donald Trump 's escalating campaign to deport immigrants in the U.S. illegally, including a California farm raid that left one worker dead, and said the administration would appeal a ruling to halt some of its more aggressive tactics.

Federal authorities now say they arrested more than 360 people at two Southern California marijuana farms last week, characterizing the raids as one of the largest operations since President Donald Trump took office in January.

More than 360 people were arrested during the ICE raids at two southern California marijuana farms last week, federal authorities have said. The raids were characterized as one of the largest operations since President Donald Trump took office in January.

Democrats are highlighting the dramatic about-face by some Republicans, which has divided the MAGA movement and could weaken a critical following for President Trump.