Despite recent comments by President Donald Trump indicating a pause on immigration raids at farms and other labor-intensive worksites, federal agents were instructed Monday to continue enforcement operations at agricultural businesses, hotels, and restaurants. ICE raids last week hit California farms and a meat processor in Nebraska, arresting at least 70 workers.
While the White House had told ICE to avoid ag and hospitality raids, Homeland Security later reaffirmed enforcement, with officials stating there would be “no safe spaces” for those undermining ICE efforts.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins reportedly played a role in urging restraint, and ag groups welcomed Trump’s earlier remarks. The American Farm Bureau and the National Council of Agricultural Employers both praised the President’s recognition of the sector’s labor needs.
AFBF President Zippy Duvall said, “Farmers cannot care for crops and animals without the contributions of dedicated employees.” He emphasized that current programs like H-2A are broken, urging Congress to fix the “farm labor crisis” or risk leaving produce unharvested and food prices rising.
Meanwhile, the Department of Labor announced a June 25 webinar to guide producers on ag labor law compliance, including H-2A and migrant worker protections.
Still, groups like United Farm Workers remain skeptical, noting that enforcement in farmworker communities continued despite the President’s comments. The White House maintains that “anyone present in the U.S. illegally is at risk of deportation.”
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Northern Ag Network, DTN – 2025
