Marketplace Fear of ICE raids keeps California farm workers on edge
Jul 3, 2025
Heather Long, Chief Economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, discusses the fears surrounding ICE raids impacting California's farm workers, where over half are undocumented. This anxiety is linked to labor shortages in a state that produces most of the U.S. fruits and nuts. She also delves into the economic implications of Trump's immigration policies, the nuances of the June jobs report, and the complexity of U.S. trade dynamics influenced by tariffs.
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Jobs Report Masks Labor Market Weakness
- June's 147,000 new jobs surprise but growth mainly in government and healthcare sectors.
- Labor force participation dropped to the lowest since Dec 2022, masking broader labor market weakness.
Immigration Raids Impact Farming
- Fear of immigration raids keeps California farm workers from going to work, reducing labor availability.
- This fear affects farming productivity and could cause long-term impacts on California agriculture.
Farm Worker Itzel's Story
- Itzel, a California strawberry picker with a temporary work permit, avoids leaving home due to raids.
- She only skipped work briefly because she needs the income as a single mother.