As the weeks advance in President Trump’s second term, he has been true to his word on past promises with deportation and immigration. With the current administration considering pulling from the Department of Defense funds to hire contractors and expand detention facilities to process the hundreds of undocumented persons that have been targeted for their immigration status.
Democrats have opposed these executive decisions, arguing that deporting immigrants is not a smart move, citing that it could affect labor shortages. These deportations may affect, and reduce crop yields because with fewer agricultural workers to plant, tend, and harvest crops, farmers may struggle to maintain productivity.
Labor shortages can also lead to wage increases. Farmers compete for a restricted pool of workers, which can drive up the entire cost of agriculture production. This may cause delays and high prices for consumers, so farmers may deal with manpower constraints by turning to automation and technology.
The impact and consequences of this action are likely to cause labor shortages across various industries, especially agriculture, which could lose the most workers, and others such as hotels, and restaurants.
As these proposals get closer to reality, the voices of local community organizations have started poking through the woodwork. Grassroots organizations, collegiate institutions, and everyone in between have seen a bevy of policy releases challenging ICE’s ability to monitor people without impunity.
Highline College President Dr. John Mosby sent out a policy letter to students and faculty concerning the controversial new possibilities from the Trump administration.
“Highline College does not grant permission for any person engaged, or intending to engage, in immigration enforcement, including surveillance, access to school grounds or their immediate vicinity,” it stated. Dr. Mosby is one of many local community leaders who have vocalized their solidarity with immigrants and families of immigrants.
An organizer with El Centro de la Raza also highlighted DACA recipients and their value to the U.S., explaining that they have earned their place to live without fear. “Dreamers,” contribute significantly to their communities and the economy. By defending DACA, the president shows a dedication to ensuring these individuals can continue to live, work, and study in the U.S. without fear of deportation.
Local communities have taken the stage in a single voice to protect those put at risk by the Trump administration’s proposed laws, though their backing from state and federal government officials will have a lot to say about how quickly these policies will be addressed. Time will tell how much these proposals will be realized, but there is no sign that the local movements are slowing at any time.
