Trump Administration Reverses Course on Immigration Enforcement in Agriculture and Hospitality
After briefly signaling a pause in enforcement targeting the agriculture and hospitality sectors, the Trump Administration has reversed course under pressure from immigration hardliners. Although reports last week indicated that a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) memo temporarily halted such operations, new information confirms that the memo was quickly rescinded. Administration officials, including Border Czar Tom Homan, have since clarified that no industries will be exempt from targeted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement, despite earlier remarks from President Trump suggesting protections for certain sectors.
The stated goal of 3,000 ICE arrests per day—up from a previous average of 650—has raised concerns about broader enforcement actions impacting essential workers. While officials emphasize that serious criminals remain the top priority, agricultural groups remain uneasy.
California Farm Bureau continues to receive unconfirmed reports of ICE activity, though many have turned out to be unrelated law enforcement actions—such as a marijuana bust in Coachella Valley that was mistaken for an immigration raid.
In a June 19 press release, California Farm Bureau stressed the importance of measured enforcement: “To ensure stability for our farm families and their communities, we must act with both common sense and compassion. The focus of immigration enforcement should be on removing bad actors—not our valuable and essential farm employees.”
Staff Contacts: Bryan Little, blittle@cfbf.com Matthew Viohl, mviohl@cfbf.com
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