Beyond the Raids
A new statewide survey is offering a clearer picture of how immigration enforcement is shaping life on California farms. I know that this is a delicate subject, but an extremely important one just the same. The California Farmer Immigration Enforcement Survey, conducted by researchers at Michigan State University in partnership with the California Farm Bureau, is the first of its kind to examine the impact of the Trump administration’s mass deportation agenda on the state’s agricultural sector.
More than 500 farmers across 50 counties responded. Less than 1% reported losing workers directly due to enforcement actions, but about 15% said they lost workers because of related fears. In total, roughly one quarter experienced at least one negative outcome, including reduced production, higher labor costs, or increased stress. “There was more anxiety and fear among the farming community as a result of general immigration enforcement efforts more broadly,” said Zachariah Rutledge of Michigan State University.
To read the full Ag Alert from the California Farm Bureau, visit https://www.agalert.com/california-ag-news/archives/february-25-2026/survey-finds-raids-impacted-california-farm-production/
