Farmers warn ICE raids threaten Washington agriculture Cascadia Daily News

Washington's agricultural sector is grappling with the repercussions of intensified ICE raids aimed at undocumented immigrants, who play a crucial role in food production. As of 2022, approximately 340,000 undocumented individuals were estimated to reside in the state, many of whom work in agriculture, producing vital crops and livestock. Markus Rollinger, president of Save Family Farming, warns that current deportation policies foster an atmosphere of fear, undermining the dignity of those who contribute daily to the food supply. The Trump administration's recent directives have imposed arrest quotas of 1,200 to 1,500 per day, raising alarms about potential indiscriminate enforcement. Farmers like Ray de Vries stress that without immigrant labor, essential agricultural tasks such as picking fruits and milking cows would be left undone.

The article also notes that the apprehension extends beyond undocumented workers, affecting their families and communities. Although the fear level among workers is reportedly lower than during Trump's first term, the uncertainty remains palpable. This situation not only threatens individual livelihoods but also poses risks to food security across the region.