Story perspectives

Farmers Fear ICE Raids Risk Crop Yields and Rights

2/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Gary Wertish, president of the Minnesota Farmers Union, says fear of ICE raids under Operation Metro Surge hampers seasonal hiring, risking crop yields.
Across industries, workers report anxiety about enforcement, reducing foot traffic in businesses.
Unions are seeking better protections as workers feel unsafe asserting rights.
Tom Homan, the White House Border Czar, announced a possible reduction of federal agents in Minnesota.
President Donald Trump contradicted this, emphasizing ongoing enforcement.

History

Historical Context

In 1954, Operation Wetback, initiated by the Eisenhower administration, aimed to deport undocumented Mexican immigrants amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment. This military-style campaign, led by General Joseph Swing, resulted in the deportation of approximately 250,000 individuals in its first year. Today, similar fears of immigration enforcement persist, impacting agricultural labor dynamics, as highlighted by Minnesota Farmers Union's Gary Wertish.

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Story summary

Gary Wertish, president of the Minnesota Farmers Union, says fear of ICE raids under Operation Metro Surge hampers seasonal hiring, risking crop yields.
Across industries, workers report anxiety about enforcement, reducing foot traffic in businesses.
Unions are seeking better protections as workers feel unsafe asserting rights.
Tom Homan, the White House Border Czar, announced a possible reduction of federal agents in Minnesota.
President Donald Trump contradicted this, emphasizing ongoing enforcement.

1 / 2