The Trump administration is reportedly redirecting its immigration enforcement efforts, moving away from targeting the agricultural and hospitality industries. This shift comes after Donald Trump acknowledged that his immigration policies have been negatively impacting farmers and hotel operators.
According to The New York Times, an internal email sent Thursday by Tatum King, a senior Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official, instructed Homeland Security Investigations regional leaders to halt workplace immigration raids unless tied to criminal probes.
“Effective today, please suspend all worksite enforcement operations in agriculture (including aquaculture and meatpacking facilities), restaurants, and operating hotels,” King wrote, per the report.
The email clarified that investigations involving human trafficking, money laundering, or drug smuggling within these industries could proceed but emphasized that agents should avoid arresting “noncriminal collaterals.”
Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, echoed this stance, stating, “We will follow the president’s direction and continue focusing on removing the most dangerous criminal illegal aliens from our communities.”
This policy change follows a week of protests in Los Angeles, sparked by an ICE raid on a garment factory. The demonstrations intensified after the National Guard—and later the Marines—were deployed to the city despite objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom. Additional protests are expected on Saturday.
The updated guidance came shortly after Trump indicated on Thursday that changes were being considered to shield specific industries from immigration enforcement.
“Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been saying that our very aggressive immigration policy is taking away long-time, dedicated workers, and those jobs are nearly impossible to fill,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
“We must protect our Farmers, but get the CRIMINALS OUT OF THE USA. Changes are coming!”
Trump initially campaigned on removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records, but recent White House pressure on ICE to reach a daily arrest quota of 3,000 led to broader enforcement targeting even those without criminal backgrounds. This shift risked disrupting tens of thousands of workers in agriculture, construction, and hospitality, and raised fears of increased family separations.
The arrest quotas were pushed by Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff, who reportedly urged ICE agents in May to “just go out there and arrest illegal aliens.”
In the newly issued guidance—also confirmed by The Wall Street Journal—King acknowledged that abandoning workplace enforcement in these sectors would reduce the number of possible arrests: “We acknowledge that by taking this off the table, we are eliminating a significant number of potential targets.”
Trump was reportedly cautioned by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins that ICE’s actions were alarming farmers, a key Republican base.
The Wall Street Journal also noted last week that the crackdown was affecting businesses, with sweeps of non-criminal foreign workers leading to shifts in consumer behavior. For example, Coca-Cola reported a 3% decline in sales volume in the first quarter, partially due to reduced spending by Hispanic customers.
Other companies—such as Colgate-Palmolive, Constellation Brands (maker of Modelo beer), and restaurant chains like Wingstop and El Pollo Loco—have similarly reported sales declines attributed to decreased Hispanic consumer spending.
“We have seen a huge decline in traffic,” said Régis Schultz, CEO of JD Sports, which owns the Hispanic-focused Shoe Palace chain. “You can definitively see the impact” of the immigration policy, he told analysts in May.
Key Terms and Concepts
What is workplace immigration enforcement?
Workplace immigration enforcement refers to government actions, usually by ICE, targeting businesses that employ undocumented immigrants. It is important for regulating labor practices and enforcing immigration law but often disrupts industries like agriculture and hospitality. Used as a tool to deter illegal employment, it can also cause labor shortages. For example, raids on meatpacking plants can halt production lines. In 2025, its application has been scaled back in key sectors due to economic concerns.
Who are noncriminal collaterals in immigration enforcement?
Noncriminal collaterals are undocumented immigrants who are not the main targets of ICE operations but are detained incidentally. Their arrest raises legal and ethical debates about overreach and human rights. Avoiding these arrests is now seen as necessary to maintain trust in immigrant communities. For instance, kitchen staff in a hotel may be arrested despite having no criminal record. In 2025, ICE was told to avoid targeting them in specific industries.
What is the role of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)?
ICE is a U.S. agency under Homeland Security responsible for immigration law enforcement, including detention and deportation. Its work is vital for border control and national security, but its tactics often draw public scrutiny. ICE operates in both field arrests and workplace raids. For example, it may investigate a factory suspected of hiring undocumented workers. In 2025, ICE’s strategy was revised to prioritize criminal cases and reduce economic harm.
How do immigration policies affect the agricultural sector?
Immigration policies directly impact the agricultural sector, which heavily relies on migrant labor for planting, harvesting, and processing. Harsh policies can lead to severe labor shortages and supply chain disruptions. For example, a lack of workers during harvest season may cause crop losses. Protecting this workforce is now seen as essential for food security. In 2025, new guidance paused workplace raids in agriculture to stabilize production.
What is the significance of Hispanic consumer behavior in the U.S. economy?
Hispanic consumers are a major economic force in the U.S., especially in retail, food, and hospitality. Their spending habits influence national sales trends and business planning. For instance, a decline in Hispanic foot traffic can affect fast-food chains and retail stores. Economic fear driven by immigration crackdowns reduces this group’s participation. In 2025, companies like Coca-Cola and Wingstop reported revenue drops linked to this shift.
What are ICE arrest quotas?
ICE arrest quotas are unofficial or mandated targets for daily or monthly immigration arrests, often used to measure agency performance. While intended to increase efficiency, they can lead to controversial detentions of low-risk individuals. For example, a push for 3,000 arrests per day may include undocumented workers with no criminal record. These quotas have been widely criticized for inhumane outcomes. In 2025, ICE faced pressure to balance quotas with ethical enforcement.
Why are farmers concerned about immigration enforcement in 2025?
Farmers are deeply concerned because their workforce is heavily made up of immigrant labor, much of it undocumented. Aggressive enforcement removes essential workers, threatens crop yields, and increases food prices. For example, dairy farms in the Midwest report significant labor gaps during ICE crackdowns. Protecting these jobs is now a political priority. In 2025, Trump scaled back enforcement in farming to appease the agricultural sector.
What is the Truth Social platform?
Truth Social is a social media platform launched by Donald Trump’s media company, serving as his primary communication outlet. It’s used for announcing policy changes and rallying political support. For instance, Trump recently used it to declare upcoming changes to immigration enforcement. The platform plays a central role in shaping GOP messaging. In 2025, Truth Social continues to influence U.S. political discourse and media cycles.
What are the economic implications of workplace raids?
Workplace raids disrupt labor forces, reduce business productivity, and instill fear in immigrant communities, leading to decreased consumer activity. This has ripple effects on local economies and national brands. For example, El Pollo Loco and JD Sports reported declining sales tied to reduced Hispanic traffic. Businesses often struggle to replace detained workers quickly. In 2025, such impacts led to reduced ICE activity in sensitive sectors.
Who is Stephen Miller and what is his influence on immigration policy?
Stephen Miller is a senior political advisor known for crafting hardline U.S. immigration policies, especially under Donald Trump. His influence led to increased ICE raids and arrest quotas, including detaining non-criminal immigrants. He reportedly directed ICE to expand enforcement beyond criminal aliens. Critics argue his approach harms families and businesses. In 2025, his policies remain central to debates on immigration strategy.
