Farm Workers at Risk Amid Immigration Enforcement
Yuma County, Arizona – A significant portion—40%—of the U.S. farm workforce is undocumented, which leaves farms exposed to immigration enforcement actions.
A viral video out of Southern California captures Ice agents pursuing farm workers in agricultural areas. On the same day, federal agents raided a meatpacking plant in Nebraska, apprehending 70 undocumented workers.
This has led supporters and workers to express concerns that such tactics could drive workers away from the fields, jeopardizing harvests. Ventura Keignons, a long-time farm worker in Imperial County, reflected on his experiences in fields that have faced similar raids.
“I think it’s wrong. Why are they chasing people when they’re helping me here?” he shared.
In the wake of the Nebraska incident, President Donald Trump took to social media, announcing plans to protect farmers. The Arizona Farm Bureau welcomed his statements, highlighting the importance of farm workers.
“We appreciate President Trump’s comments this afternoon. We recognize the contributions of farm workers who play an important role in growing food across America,” the Arizona Farm Bureau stated. “If these workers are not present in the fields or barns, there is a risk of supply chain disruption similar to those experienced during the pandemic.”
According to a senior Ice official cited by the New York Times, there were calls to suspend investigations in the agricultural sector. However, President Trump has called for increased immigration enforcement and expanded Ice operations in cities led by Democrats. Advocates argue that this creates ongoing fear within the migrant labor community.
Elvira Herrera, a program coordinator for Lideres Campesinas, reported that the atmosphere of fear is pervasive, leaving many workers feeling racially targeted. The California nonprofit focuses on supporting female farm workers and their families, working alongside state leaders to advocate for their protection.
Herrera expressed her concerns about workers feeling scared to go shopping or take their children to school. She noted that even those who have legal documentation feel uneasy.
“We had a woman call about her husband being detained despite having a work visa,” Herrera explained.
She also emphasized that fear of deportation has silenced women who might be facing domestic and workplace abuse.
“Many of the women we support are victims of domestic violence. If they speak up, they might be deported,” she stated.
Herrera affirmed their commitment to advocating for state leaders and ensuring that farm workers are informed of their rights.
“As soon as you step into this soil, you are entitled to your rights, whether there is a document or not,” Herrera said.
