Industry and business groups heavily reliant on immigrant workers are currently reeling from President Donald Trump's intensified deportation efforts. Just as they celebrated a brief reprieve from immigration raids, the administration abruptly reversed this pause, reigniting fears across various sectors. The renewed enforcement targeting farms, meatpacking plants, hotels, and restaurants has created shockwaves through the business community, prompting many to seek immediate relief from workplace raids.
Last week’s temporary halt on raids followed vigorous lobbying from multiple industries including agriculture, hospitality, and construction. Jennie Murray, president of the National Immigration Forum, noted that various business and trade associations, which rely on a stable workforce, had been supportive of the administration and were disappointed by the swift policy reversal. “To see such a quick overturn was disheartening for many,” Murray commented.
The American Farm Bureau Federation, a powerful advocate for farmers, expressed its concerns regarding the reinstated policy. Zippy Duvall, the federation’s president, articulated the unique circumstances faced by the agricultural sector that necessitate a different approach to immigration enforcement. The quick reimplementation of raids has left many in the agricultural community anxious about their labor supply.
The policy reversal was put into effect immediately, resulting in a raid at Delta Downs, a horse racing track in Vinton, Louisiana, where nearly 100 equine caretakers were detained. Some workers fled the scene as drones monitored the area. Eric J. Hamelback, chief executive of the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, indicated a belief that horse racing would fall under the administration's agricultural carve-out, as approximately 75% of their workforce is foreign-born, primarily from Latin America.
Hamelback emphasized the need for his organization to intensify its lobbying efforts in Washington. Recently, they have been engaging with lawmakers, including a meeting with Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) in March, to advocate for solutions that would stabilize their workforce.
After Trump indicated on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he was sympathetic to the concerns raised by industry executives, a pause on workplace raids was initially welcomed. However, a White House official later clarified that no substantial policy changes were being proposed, leaving many in the agricultural and hospitality sectors feeling uncertain.
The United Farm Workers (UFW) union also highlighted that the pause did little to alleviate ongoing fears as immigration sweeps continued to impact farmworker communities. UFW President Teresa Romero pointed out that as long as immigration enforcement persists in these communities, many farmworkers remain at risk of detention and deportation.
A coalition of industry groups expressed gratitude for the pause in a letter addressed to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem and Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. They acknowledged Trump’s pledge for forthcoming changes aimed at stabilizing workforce needs, a sentiment echoed by leaders in the construction, retail, and healthcare sectors.
The White House's policy reversal suggests a divide within the administration regarding immigration enforcement strategies. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, known for his stringent immigration policies, reportedly opposed creating exceptions for industries dependent on undocumented workers. In contrast, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has been vocal about the workforce concerns raised by agricultural leaders, indicating a struggle to balance enforcement with the needs of vital sectors.
With more than 40% of agricultural laborers being undocumented, according to 2022 estimates from the Agriculture Department, pressure on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has intensified. The administration aims to fulfill Trump’s campaign promise of conducting extensive deportations, with ICE reportedly instructed to execute a minimum of 3,000 arrests daily.
Despite these challenges, some Republican lawmakers remain optimistic about finding a solution that preserves the workforce essential to the agricultural sector. Representative Andy Harris (R-Maryland) recently urged business leaders not to be discouraged, highlighting the need for a dual approach that addresses both deportations and the essential workforce requirements.
However, concerns persist. Senator Jim Justice (R-West Virginia) warned that failing to address these issues could lead to a crisis for American farmers, emphasizing the critical importance of supporting the American family farm.
