ICE Enforcement Extends to Agricultural Production
Earlier this week, reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Oxnard, CA, and agricultural operations in several other states sparked concerns that farms and food processing facilities are now being directly targeted by federal officials, leaving many farm employees afraid to report for work. In a post on Truth Social, President Trump stated, “We must protect our farmers, but get the criminals out of the USA. Changes are coming,” after acknowledging that the agriculture, hotel and leisure industries have criticized the removal of longtime workers from jobs that are nearly impossible to fill. He reiterated similar comments when taking questions at an event later that morning. GOP House Agriculture Chair G.T. Thompson told reporters, “They need to knock it off. Let's go after the criminals and give us time to put processes in place so we don’t disrupt the food supply chain.”
On Thursday, Sen. Alex Padilla was forcibly removed while attempting to speak during a press event in Los Angeles hosted by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. According to a release from his office, “He tried to ask the Secretary a question and was forcibly removed by federal agents, forced to the ground and handcuffed. He is not currently detained, and we are working to get additional information.” The incident follows what has been a contentious week in LA with protests around ICE enforcement, in which the California National Guard and U.S. Marines were ordered in to support federal agents.
Farm Bureau members in Southern California have reported enforcement activity by ICE and the Border Patrol, with some indicating that large portions of their workforce have not reported for several consecutive days. In addition, social and legacy media sources have cited immigration enforcement activities throughout various coastal, Central Valley and Northern California counties. However, Farm Bureau has not yet been able to confirm these reports directly.
In one instance, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office posted the following clarification to its Facebook page on June 12:
“The Madera County Sheriff’s Office has received several inquiries regarding the presence of federal agents near the Madera Ranchos. We want to clarify that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is not conducting enforcement operations in Madera County, and the Madera County Sheriff’s Office has not been informed of any planned ICE activities. The activity observed is related to an operation by the Central Valley Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, which includes members from the Department of Homeland Security.”
Similar situations—where unrelated law enforcement activities have been mistaken for immigration enforcement—have also been reported to Farm Bureau.
Farm Bureau reiterates its January 30, 2025, statement regarding immigration enforcement and the agricultural workforce:
“We recognize that some workers may feel uncertain right now, and we want to be very clear: California agriculture depends on and values its workforce,” Bryan Little, senior director for policy advocacy, said. “Farm employees are not just workers—they are partners in this industry. They are people with families, dreams and an incredible work ethic that keeps food on tables across America. We understand the uncertainty some might feel right now, and we want to be absolutely clear: California’s farmers stand with you. We respect you. We value you. And we will do everything in our power to ensure that agriculture remains a place where you are safe and supported.”
Staff Contacts:
Bryan Little, blittle@cfbf.com
Matthew Viohl, mviohl@cfbf.com
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