Immigrant enforcement in agriculture will have noticeable effects, according to union leader's warning.

Updated June 14, 2025 at 9:12 AM CDT

The head of the United Farm Workers (UFW) union is sounding the alarm as immigration enforcement escalates across the US, with farm workers nationwide fearing for their jobs and livelihoods. This week, federal agents allegedly stormed farms in California, while last month, immigration agents detained over a dozen farm workers on a bus in upstate New York. With these incidents becoming more common, the union, representing thousands of workers, warns that this fear could ripple through households across the country.

"Despite their terror, they're still clocking in," Teresa Romero, president of the United Farm Workers union, told Morning Edition. "They got bills to pay, they got bills to catch up on, they got families to feed."

On Tuesday, the UFW—founded by civil rights activist Cesar Chavez—urged agricultural employers to fortify their worksites by educating workers and staff on their rights, as well as legal requirements for law enforcement to enter work sites.

It's estimated that around 40% of crop farmworkers lack work authorization, according to federal estimates. The Department of Homeland Security declined to confirm the raids to NPR, and the agency did not respond to specific questions from Morning Edition regarding enforcement actions targeting farmworkers. Meanwhile, the FBI has been vocal about its support for these operations on social media.

Romero touched upon the reported immigration enforcement actions on farms, their potential impact on kitchen tables across the country, and the precarious situation farm workers face.

This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity

Martinez: Spill the beans on the raids. Who's getting the boot?

Romero: In California, we've been getting calls left and right from farm workers and community members who said immigration vehicles are flooding the agricultural areas, causing a lot of distress, stress, and mistrust. They're rounding up folks who work their rears off and aren't criminals, just people responsible for putting groceries on our tables.

Martinez: Have you heard whether people are staying away from work out of fear?

Romero: Call it terror. But remember, farm workers have seasonal gigs. They gotta pay the bills, pay the bills, and put food on the table. So even though they're terrified, they're still putting in the work.

Martinez: We couldn't get a straight answer from the Department of Homeland Security about the raids happening. Now, what does it mean for employers to harden worksites?

Romero: We're aiming for transparency: If ICE shows up and starts interrogating our guys, we want a warrant. We don't want them just rolling up on the farm and rounding 'em up without a reason. That's not our Chaz, that's not what we're about as a country.

Martinez: Why should employers go to bat for undocumented workers? Why not back authorities?

Romero: What's important is everyone's constitutional rights. If you got a warrant to take me, show it. Don't just show up and start arresting whomever you fancy.

Martinez: Can you tell us what happens to farms when ICE swoops in and nabs workers?

Romero: We've talked to farmers who let their employees go, too scared. Others say only half of their workers showed up the next day, but then everyone was back the following day. Small farms say if ICE rolls in and snatches people, they'll be out of business.

Martinez: Trump did say, as a candidate, that mass deportations would be on the table if he became president. So how surprised should we be now?

Romero: Quite surprised, because he said he'd be catching criminals. Let me tell you where you'll find the criminals: in jails. They've been given their days in court. He said he'd be deporting criminals. He's not deporting criminals. He's deporting hardworking farm laborers.

Martinez: Trump himself commented on farmers, saying his aggressive immigration policy is taking good, longtime workers away from them. What's your take on that?

Romero: You know, that's talk. If he believes that, he can stop these raids right now.

Martinez: What do you hope folks understand in a few months?

Romero: I'd love for people to put themselves in the shoes of these hardworking folks, but if they don't give a hoot about humanity, they need to start considering the financial implications. There's gonna be gaps in our grocery stores, and prices are gonna skyrocket.

I wish folks could wrap their heads around the human cost, but if they don't, they'd better start preparing for empty shelves and pricier produce.

The radio version of this story was edited by Mohamad ElBardicy. Obed Manuel contributed to and produced the digital version.

Barring specific guidance, agricultural employers can take various steps to protect their workers, such as:

Ensuring full legal compliance for all employees
Providing necessary resources and support, including legal assistance
Establishing emergency protocols and informing workers of their rights
Encouraging transparency and open communication about immigration policies and enforcement activities
Investing in the safety and well-being of their employees and offering needed social services and support networks.

Incoming raids can be a complex matter involving human rights, immigration policies, and social dynamics. Understanding both sides and working towards solutions is crucial, as demonstrated by the UFW's call for agricultural employers to take action in safeguarding their workforce.

The government's increased immigration enforcement is causing distress among farm workers and community members, who fear for their jobs and livelihoods, as reported by general news sources.
The potential impact of these enforcement actions extends beyond farm workers, as Teresa Romero of the UFW warns that the fear could ripple through households across the country, affecting the economy and community at large.
In response to the reported raids targeting farmworkers, the UFW has urged agricultural employers to protect their workers by fortifying their work sites, ensuring legal compliance, and standing up for the constitutional rights of their employees in the face of politics and immigration policies.

Immigrant enforcement in agriculture will have noticeable effects, according to union leader's warning.