Summary
Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration policies, including heightened ICE raids, are disrupting the U.S. agricultural sector.
In California’s Central Valley, a key food-producing region, undocumented farm workers—over half the workforce—are staying home out of fear, leaving crops like citrus unharvested.
Bakersfield saw up to 75% of workers absent, sparking concerns of economic devastation and rising food prices.
ICE is also targeting sensitive areas like schools and churches after rolling back Obama-era protections.
Experts warn these policies could lead to widespread economic repercussions.
This issue is annoying because everyone is doing everything wrong. The workers shouldn’t be here illegally. The government shouldn’t be disrupting the food supply and should maybe loosen up legal migrant worker processes. And the farms shouldn’t be hiring them either.
There’s not really anyone to root for.
Illegal immigration is principally a clerical issue. A problem of documents. If you give them documents, then they’re not illegal immigrants anymore. They’re already doing the labor. They should be given legal recognition and protection.
I mostly agree. But just because I think they should have an easy path to migrate for work, doesn’t mean they are without fault in the situation.
On the one hand that’s true.
On the other hand it’s up the country to decide who gets those documents. Anyone without those shouldn’t come in.
If more immigration is desirable, then expand legal immigration.