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Idaho's Farm Economy at Risk Amid Immigration Controversy

3/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In Idaho, a political storm brews as Republican Ryan Spoon alleges State Representative Stephanie Mickelsen hired undocumented workers, triggering ICE raids on her farm. Mickelsen fiercely defends herself in an op-ed, warning that aggressive immigration enforcement jeopardizes the state's agricultural workforce. With Idaho's economy heavily dependent on immigrant labor, potential losses could soar between $30 and $60 billion.

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Story summary

In Idaho, a political storm brews as Republican Ryan Spoon alleges State Representative Stephanie Mickelsen hired undocumented workers, triggering ICE raids on her farm. Mickelsen fiercely defends herself in an op-ed, warning that aggressive immigration enforcement jeopardizes the state's agricultural workforce. With Idaho's economy heavily dependent on immigrant labor, potential losses could soar between $30 and $60 billion.