Cat Chen, a retail editor deeply engaged with the impact of immigration protests, discusses the silence of the fashion industry in light of recent ICE raids affecting garment workers. She highlights the anxiety brands feel about political backlash, contrasting it with their swift responses during past movements. The conversation addresses how consumer expectations for genuine activism clash with brand hesitations. Ultimately, they urge a reevaluation of ethical responsibilities and the need for fashion to advocate for those who contribute to its success.
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ICE Raid Sparks Fear in LA
On June 6, ICE raided multiple workplaces in Los Angeles including Ambiance Apparel, a garment warehouse.
The raid caused fear in the large LA apparel industry that lacks clarity on targeting criteria.
insights INSIGHT
Fear Shapes Industry Silence
The fashion industry is largely silent on ICE raids due to a mix of care and fear of retaliation from the Trump administration.
This fear stifles open support despite anxiety and frustration within the sector.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Support Workers and Prepare
Employers should show empathy toward workers affected by ICE raids by accommodating their needs, like flexible time off.
They also need to plan ahead and familiarize themselves with legal guidance on raid protocols.
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Earlier this month, cities across the US saw the most significant wave of demonstrations since the 2020 protests following George Floyd's murder. These latest protests have been sparked by immigration raids conducted by the Trump administration, and while some of those enforcement actions have targeted garment workers, the fashion industry has mostly stayed silent.
Executive editor Brian Baskin, senior correspondent Sheena Butler-Young, and retail editor Cat Chen explore the reasons behind the industry's cautious stance, whether fashion can find a new way to engage with politics, and practical steps brands can take to support vulnerable workers.
Key Insights:
During the Black Lives Matter movement, fashion brands were quick to voice support. Today, in the face of immigration raids affecting garment workers, many brands are noticeably quiet as companies now worry that taking a stance on divisive political issues could trigger backlash. “There's a lot of anxiety and discomfort and frustration behind the scenes, but there is also this other piece of the pie, which is fear of retaliation from the Trump administration,” says Chen. Despite the fear of retribution, Butler-Young also notes how the lack of response is being interpreted outside of the industry: “I think that people see the industry as acting cowardly as an industry that does rely on immigrant labor, legal and otherwise.”
Fashion isn’t providing much concrete support behind the scenes, either. “I think another huge issue is that people are feeling really helpless in the sector. There aren't any resources,” says Chen. “We're not seeing trade organisations emerge and come up with guidelines for what employers can do in case of a raid.” She adds, “You have these executives who are operating very blindly.”
Brands that lean too heavily on public declarations of diversity and inclusion without backing them up are losing credibility with values-driven shoppers. As Butler-Young explains, “The liberal consumer is just a little bit over hearing companies say something and then not do it.” Instead of splashing their values across LinkedIn or homepage banners, she notes that “some of the brands that are doing a good job by doing the work internally first and then talking about it.”
The focus should also shift from performative allyship to practical, on-the-ground support—ensuring that businesses are equipped to respond meaningfully when their workers are directly impacted by policies like immigration raids. As Chen points out, “The most vulnerable people right now don't need big brands to post something on social media or grand political gestures. What they need is a solution to the problem. What they need is for their employers to be prepared.”
The Business of Fashion Podcast