Farmers in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, are facing significant challenges as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids lead to many workers not showing up. Nick Billman, a farmer in Donna, expressed his frustrations, noting that the situation has worsened in recent weeks, particularly the past week when he saw a complete absence of workers.
“In the last three weeks, it’s been noticeable, but last week was particularly drastic,” Billman shared. “There’s been zero turnout because people are understandably hesitant to reveal their legal status.”
Yet, there’s a glimmer of hope. President Trump has recognized the strain his immigration policies place on American farmers. He is reportedly contemplating an executive order to assist these farmers. Recently, the administration has directed immigration officials to halt arrests at farms, restaurants, and hotels, which could alleviate some pressure.
Billman emphasized the severe impact of these raids, stating that fear among workers runs high. “Absolutely, 100% of them are afraid to come to work, even if they are legal,” he remarked.
Along with tackling the immediate consequences of labor shortages, Billman has also been busy clearing storm debris. However, he expressed concern about the long-term effects of labor shortages on food supply. “You might be on the verge of planting, but why prepare land if you can’t harvest?” he questioned. While he and his family can manage some of the harvesting, it’s clear that they can’t meet the demands on their own.
Similar sentiments have been echoed by the California Farm Bureau, which warns that state raids jeopardize the operations that contribute significantly to the nation’s food supply. Billman highlighted the essential role immigrants play in maintaining and preparing farmland, as they often take on labor-intensive tasks that are vital for farming operations. The threat of ICE raids adds another layer of anxiety; farmers don’t want to risk complications with their workforce.
“It’s not our job to check papers,” he stated. “If someone is willing to work, we provide them with a form to fill out. They pay their taxes; that’s their responsibility. But if ICE shows up, we have to worry about the fallout because we don’t verify their status.”
Overall, Billman and fellow farmers believe that reform is essential for protecting the food supply of the country. The Texas Farm Bureau echoed this by stating that farm workers put in tremendous effort daily to produce safe, American-grown food and noted that resolving workforce shortages must be a priority.
Billman has invited politicians to visit his farm, hoping to raise awareness of the struggles faced without a stable workforce. He proposed the idea of incentivizing immigration similar to the Bracero program that operated from the 1940s to the mid-60s, allowing short-term contracts for immigrants who would help cover labor shortages.
It’s estimated that over 4.5 million workers participated in the Bracero program, with many remaining in the U.S. after its conclusion and receiving legal status through reforms in later years.
“If we provided incentives for these immigrants to come in and pay taxes, we would all be safer and well-vetted,” Billman argued.
