Marketplace Morning Report How ICE raids are disrupting D.C.'s economy
Nov 21, 2025
William Lee Adams, a BBC correspondent known for his international market insights, discusses the recent drop in global stocks amid renewed concerns over AI and the Fed. Elizabeth Tropal, a Marketplace/Redfin correspondent focused on rural housing trends, highlights the rising affordability crisis in these areas. The podcast also explores the chilling effect of ICE raids on D.C.'s construction industry, with contractors struggling to find workers willing to risk arrest, leading to delays and closures across the sector.
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Contractor Shifts Crews Away From D.C.
- Gilbert Garcia runs Monumental Contractors and now redirects spooked workers to Maryland or Virginia to avoid D.C. raids.
- He lost about a third of his crews' willingness to enter D.C., causing scheduling and subcontractor gaps on projects.
Subcontractor No-Shows Delay Projects
- Subcontractors like plumbers and electricians are declining D.C. jobs, delaying homeowner projects and leaving clients inconvenienced.
- Gilbert Garcia described a plumber who backed out upon learning the job location, forcing weekend disruptions.
Realtor Steps In When Crews Refuse Jobs
- Casey Abulafia says some contractors refuse D.C. jobs and end up doing the work themselves.
- Four immigrant workers agreed to interviews then backed out, illustrating widespread fear and silence.