The immigration offensive promoted by the state government and backed by federal authorities has spread fear among thousands of immigrant farm workers in Florida, one of the most essential and at the same time most vulnerable sectors in the country.
In regions such as the Redlands and Homestead, nurseries, farms and plantations are losing labor as many workers avoid leaving for fear of being detained by ICE, CBP and FHP agents.
The field stopped by fear
The impact of the raids has been particularly severe in South Florida, where immigrants – many undocumented – have chosen not to leave their homes.
In addition to not taking their children to school and avoiding medical centers.
“If they don’t have to leave out of absolute necessity, they’re not going to,” says Saul Aleman, a pro-immigrant activist and Homestead resident.
Fear has forced nursery owners to reinforce measures such as security cameras and “emergency plans” for possible operations.
There are even reports of abandoned plantations and lost crops, with gardening brigades stopped for visibility.
Economy at risk and shortage of workers
Florida generates more than $9 billion annually in agriculture, and according to the Department of Agriculture, nearly 50% of agricultural workers lack legal immigration status.
However, policies such as the 287(g) program, which allows local police to act as immigration agents, and state laws promoted by Governor Ron DeSantis, have generated a hostile environment.
Even in Hispanic-majority cities such as Homestead, Doral and Miami.
The federal H2A visa program, which allows the hiring of temporary workers, has been insufficient.
Its high cost (over $1,100 per person) makes it inaccessible to small nurseries.
“Migrant labor is necessary. Without them, there are no nurseries and no crops,” says a nursery owner who requested anonymity.
Trump amidst contradictions
Amid the chaos, President Donald Trump has displayed mixed messages.
He first called for a halt to raids in the countryside, calling agricultural immigrants “good, long-time workers.”
Later, his administration reactivated the operations.
This Sunday, in an interview with Fox News, he proposed a temporary pass for agricultural immigrants:
“We are going to work to create some kind of temporary pass where people pay taxes and farmers have a little bit of control (…).”
The farmer knows. He´s not going to hire a killer
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