Independent Report – The Trump administration has issued a directive to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to significantly reduce its operations targeting farms, hotels, restaurants, and meatpacking plants. This instruction, according to internal communication reviewed by Reuters and confirmed by a senior official, came directly from former President Donald Trump. It signals a retreat from a prior push for heightened enforcement led by senior White House advisor Stephen Miller in late May.
An individual familiar with the matter explained that Trump was initially unaware of how widespread the enforcement actions had become. Once he realized the extent, he decided to scale them back. The updated directive, which was issued on a Thursday, allows ICE to continue investigating serious crimes, including human trafficking. However, it curtails the broader worksite raids that had become more aggressive in recent months.
This move was first reported by The New York Times and marks a shift in tone from earlier immigration efforts. Although Trump began his presidency with a strong stance on deporting millions of undocumented immigrants, recent enforcement has resulted in the arrest of many individuals without criminal records. These actions sparked criticism from Democrats and concern from some Republicans who argue that the administration should focus primarily on removing dangerous criminals.
Also Read : Army’s 250th Parade Draws Supporters, Protesters Alike
Public response to ICE’s tactics has been intense, especially after high-profile raids in cities such as Los Angeles. Protests have taken place, highlighting fears within immigrant communities. At the same time, several Republican lawmakers have echoed concerns that law enforcement should prioritize serious offenders rather than those working in low-risk jobs.
Trump, during a recent public appearance, addressed the issue by indicating he would soon announce a new policy aimed at easing the impact of strict immigration enforcement on sectors that rely heavily on immigrant labor. These industries include agriculture and hospitality, both of which employ a significant number of undocumented workers.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, emphasized the administration’s intention to follow the president’s updated guidance. She noted that while the focus remains on removing criminal offenders from American streets, the approach will now be more targeted. Trump’s social media statements reinforced this, where he acknowledged concerns from farms and businesses about losing trusted, long-term workers due to the broad nature of the recent raids.
For years, agricultural industry leaders have lobbied the federal government to exclude their sector from mass deportations. They argue that sudden labor shortages could disrupt the nation’s food supply chain, which is heavily dependent on immigrant labor. Many employers in rural areas fear that aggressive enforcement could force them to shut down or drastically reduce operations.
Despite the new guidance, there is skepticism from advocacy groups about whether it will truly protect undocumented workers. The United Farm Workers union reported receiving calls from members who witnessed arrests even after the policy change. According to the union, ICE and Border Patrol officers have continued to operate in farm communities, creating uncertainty and fear among laborers.
In a statement, the union criticized the enforcement approach, stating that as long as immigration agents are allowed to make sweeping arrests in farming areas, immigrant workers will remain vulnerable. They urged the administration to take clearer and stronger action to ensure that workers are not unfairly targeted.
This latest policy shift highlights the ongoing tension within the administration’s immigration strategy. While aiming to maintain national security and uphold immigration laws, the government is now facing increasing pressure to balance enforcement with the economic needs of key industries that depend on undocumented labor to function effectively.
Also Read : IShowSpeed Outsprints Ashton Hall in Viral Race
