Immigration raids have disrupted the US economy and businesses, causing widespread uncertainty and fear among foreign-born workers. The Trump administration’s deportation plans have led to a crackdown on immigration enforcement, with Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin declaring that workplaces harboring violent criminals will be targeted.
Farmers, cattle ranchers, hotel managers, and restaurant owners are breathing a sigh of relief after President Donald Trump ordered a pause to immigration raids. However, the respite was short-lived, as McLaughlin declared that worksite enforcement remains a cornerstone of the administration’s efforts to safeguard public safety and national security.
Businesses are struggling to operate under the uncertainty surrounding immigration policy. Rebecca Shi, CEO of the American Business Immigration Coalition, says “there’s fear and worry once more” among business owners. The coalition represents 1,700 employers and supports increased legal immigration.
The impact of ICE raids is being felt across various industries. A New Mexico dairy had to reduce its workforce by half after an ICE raid left it with just 20 workers. Chef Claudio Gonzalez at Izakaya Gazen in Los Angeles reported that many of his Hispanic workers have been calling out of work due to fears of ICE raids.
Rumors of immigration raids are also causing problems for businesses, such as cherry-harvesting operations in Washington state. Jon Folden, orchard manager for Blue Bird Farm Cooperative, said “we’ve not heard of any real raids” but many foreign-born workers have stayed away due to rumors.
Immigrant parents are worried about their workplaces being raided and their children being left without a parent. Jennie Murray, CEO of the National Immigration Forum, says some immigrant parents ask themselves: “Do I show up for work if my second-grader gets off the school bus alone?”
The uncertainty surrounding immigration policy is weighing on businesses and the economy. Economists estimate that undocumented workers account for 13% of US farm jobs and 7% of jobs in hospitality businesses. The Pew Research Center found that 75% of registered voters, including 59% of Trump supporters, agree that undocumented immigrants mostly fill jobs that American citizens don’t want.
The Trump administration’s deportation plans are weighing on the economy, with economists estimating that monthly job growth could reach 160,000 to 200,000 without exerting upward pressure on prices. However, the uncertainty surrounding immigration policy makes it difficult for businesses to operate forward-looking.
“The reality is, a significant portion of our industry relies on immigrant labor,” says Patrick Murphy, chief investment officer at Coastal Construction. “When there are sudden crackdowns or raids, it slows timelines, drives up costs, and makes it harder to plan ahead.”
Source: https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-ice-raids-undocumented-workers-aa451dc90dda76004fdc5636b21bde97