Farmers Fear ICE Raids Impact Workforce

In the tranquil fields of Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, a growing concern shadows the local agricultural community. Recent actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have sparked fear among farmers worried about losing their workforce—integral to maintaining the region’s dairy farms.

A Community on Edge

The apprehension began when 24 undocumented immigrants were arrested in the county after an ICE operation. Among those detained, six had prior convictions and interactions with law enforcement. While no farm has been targeted by ICE in northeast Wisconsin, farmers worry that their labor force will dwindle as workers become too frightened to report for duty.

An Industry Reliant on Immigrant Labor

Michael Slattery, a veteran farmer from Manitowoc County, voices the concern shared by many: finding dependable help is nearly impossible. According to data from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, undocumented immigrants constitute 70% of the labor force in Wisconsin’s dairy farms. Following the ICE raid, the impact has been palpable; workers are absent, and there is little hope for swift replacement.

The Ripple Effect

The issue extends beyond dairy farming. Jennifer Maldonado, a community advocate, highlights that undocumented individuals are withdrawing from public life altogether. The absence of these community members from local events and health services could have adverse effects on communal safety and well-being. As they retreat into the shadows, essential aspects of community life suffer.

ICE’s Perspective

In defense of their actions, ICE officials emphasize the significance of their operations in dismantling criminal networks. In a statement, Tricia McLaughlin from Homeland Security explained that during interviews with victims of trafficking rings, several undocumented individuals were identified and arrested. Their alleged crimes included serious offenses such as sexual assault on a child, hit-and-run incidents, driving under the influence (DUI), identity theft, and possession of narcotics.

Seeking Clarity Amidst Uncertainty

The local FBI office in Milwaukee was contacted for more details about the operation but cited a government shutdown preventing immediate responses. This lack of communication has only heightened the uncertainty within the farming community, as they navigate the consequences of these ICE raids on their livelihoods.

Farmers and residents alike find themselves at a crossroads, balancing between maintaining security and ensuring that their farms can operate effectively. As this situation unfolds, both sides strive for clarity and solutions to address the immediate needs of Manitowoc County’s agriculture-dependent community.

Original Article Source: WBAY