Immigrant farmworkers are bracing for the possibility of mass deportations under the incoming U.S. president Donald Trump, with many taking precautionary measures such as appointing guardians for their children in case they are detained, as reported by organizations providing legal assistance. The escalating demand for legal services mirrors the fear that Trump might fulfill his campaign promise to deport millions of undocumented immigrants after his inauguration on Jan. 20, a move that could significantly impact the agricultural sector heavily dependent on their labor. Approximately half of hired farmworkers in the country lack legal immigration status, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, prompting concerns from farm trade groups about the potential disruption to food production if these workers are deported.
Sarait Martinez, the executive director of Centro Binacional para el Desarrollo Indígena Oaxaqueño (CBDIO), an organization supporting Mexican farmworkers in California’s Central Valley, noted the heightened apprehension among immigrant farmworkers even before the new administration takes office. Various U.S. rural and legal advocacy groups, including CBDIO, have observed a substantial surge in interest from immigrant farmworkers seeking guidance on handling encounters with immigration authorities and safeguarding their families in case of detention. Workshops now include simulations of interactions with immigration officials and guidance on preparing for potential enforcement actions, such as completing forms to designate temporary guardians for their children, designating someone to collect their pay, or granting permission for their children to travel internationally in the event of deportation.
Alfredo, a farmworker in Washington State, expressed his worries and involvement in training sessions to share knowledge with his colleagues. The uncertainty looms larger as the Trump administration eyes stricter immigration policies, including targeted deportations of individuals deemed public safety risks. Although the administration has emphasized focusing on criminals and threats to national security, the possibility of broader deportations has not been ruled out, raising concerns across the farm industry. California, a key hub for U.S. agricultural production, particularly in fruits, vegetables, and nuts, relies heavily on an undocumented workforce that constitutes a significant portion of farmworkers in the state. The potential impact on food production remains a pressing concern for industry trade groups as they navigate the challenges posed by the uncertain future under the new administration.
Labor Center. Despite a significant undocumented immigrant population, farmworkers in some of California’s largest agricultural counties face limited access to legal services, as noted by Ivette Chaidez Villarreal, the civic engagement program director at Valley Voices. Valley Voices is a worker rights and voter education organization in the Central Valley.
Since the November election, Valley Voices has intensified its efforts in providing immigration services due to a surge in legal inquiries and requests from farmworkers. Villarreal mentioned that the organization is collaborating with other California groups to establish a rapid response network to assist workers who may be targeted in raids.
Farmworkers often encounter challenges in accessing legal services due to their rural locations, highlighted Patricia Ortiz, the immigration legal director at California Rural Legal Assistance. The organization is developing resources tailored to support farmworkers, acknowledging the particularly vulnerable position they find themselves in compared to other workers.
Undocumented workers with U.S.-born children are especially concerned about being separated from their families, according to Martinez from CBDIO. The Pew Research Center reports that approximately 4.4 million U.S.-born children live in households with at least one unauthorized immigrant parent. Martinez added that many of the individuals her group assists speak indigenous languages like Mixteco and Zapoteco, requiring support with immigration paperwork and obtaining passports for their U.S.-born children.
In upstate New York, the Cornell Farmworker Program has significantly increased its immigration workshops following the election. Mary Jo Dudley, the program director, anticipates hosting workshops daily to equip workers with strategies on how to interact with immigration officials in various scenarios using role-play exercises.
“We’re working against the clock,” Dudley emphasized.
Reporting by Leah Douglas; Editing by Aurora Ellis.
