Over 40% of farmworkers in the United States are undocumented immigrants, as highlighted in a 2022 report by the US Department of Agriculture. In California, this number skyrockets to over 75%, reports the University of California, Merced. Under the Trump administration, this enforcement is increasing exponentially. Today, countless agricultural workers are faced with the specter of deportation, threatening their livelihoods and the security of our nation’s food supply.
Now in recent weeks the large-scale raids that have terrorized undocumented workers are back California’s agricultural heartland, returning after a 15-year absence. These raids are taking place at the same time as President Trump’s stated, and very extreme, aim of arresting 3,000 undocumented immigrants every day. According to local community activists, ICE agents attempted to enter nine different farms in the Oxnard area on one recent day alone. They were refused entry without search warrants and went on to arrest 35 people on area streets instead.
Óscar, an undocumented migrant from Mexico, is double-timing it to get his immigration papers in order. He opened up about what he is struggling with today. ICE agents are currently posted outside courthouses where migrants have to report to handle their court paperwork. This now has him wondering what to do next.
“I’m scared, but I can’t stop going out to work. I have to provide for my family,” – Óscar
Yet the impacts of these immigration policies are felt well beyond farmworkers themselves. A woman who has been picking berries in Oxnard since arriving in the United States two years ago explained how the fears surrounding potential raids have affected her business. Now those same clients won’t shop out of fear,” she said, estimating that at least half of her regular clients have become undocumented in recent years.
Raquel Pérez, the owner of a popular Mexican restaurant in the area. She shared how frightened she has become for the future of her business as violence escalated in the area. She said that her concerns now are more than when she was at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. In those times, consumers voted with their dollars to support local businesses by purchasing local produce.
“They don’t realize the domino effect this is going to have,” – a local business owner
The backlash from the ongoing crackdown has resulted in a dramatic drop in business for area entrepreneurs. Óscar mentioned that people are making fewer shopping trips and purchasing less from local shops. This sudden decrease in patronage has put immense financial pressure on restaurants. This collateral damage stretches to the hundreds of thousands of other businesses that depend on the agricultural workforce.
“If the strawberries or vegetables aren’t picked, that means there’s gonna be nothing coming into the packing houses. Which means there’s not gonna be no trucks to take the stuff,” – a concerned local business owner
As fear spreads within immigrant communities, street protests have erupted in Los Angeles against the raids, sometimes escalating into violent confrontations. Farmworkers are increasingly concerned about their everyday commute. Thousands are making the decision to remain home and avoid the chance of being targeted by ICE agents.
“We don’t want to leave the house anymore. We don’t want to go to the store. We’re afraid they’ll catch us,” – a woman who left her children behind in Mexico
Farmworkers have deep spirit of solidarity. They understand that their labor, upon which the entire world relies, is typically taken for granted. Donald Trump himself has recently recognized that undocumented workers have become irreplaceable assets to farmers.
“Our farmers are being hurt badly. You know, they have very good workers. They’ve worked for them for 20 years. They’re not citizens, but they’ve turned out to be, you know, great,” – Donald Trump
For all these acknowledgments, many farmworkers are left feeling demonized and criminalized for pursuing better lives through honest labor.
“They treat us like criminals, but we only came here to work and have a better life,” – the woman who left her children behind in Mexico
One issue at a time, farmworkers are growing a more hopeful landscape every day. They balance their worries against the immediate need to put food on the table. Óscar underscored the fact that it is getting more difficult to find legal pathways for undocumented immigrants.
“There aren’t many ways left to be here legally,” – Óscar
The reality unfolding around us is creating unprecedented struggles for undocumented workers. Furthermore, it strangles California’s economy and food supply chain. With criminalization, arrests keep ramping up, creating a climate of fear within the immigrant communities. If not addressed, this increasing worry places our entire agricultural industry at risk of crippling labor shortages that could eventually affect every American.