by EuroNews
It’s published
According to a New York Times report, the US government ordered immigration officers to suspend attacks and arrests in farming, hotels and restaurants.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been sent directives calling for people to refrain from heading to such facilities, including meat packing plants and aquaculture.
The decision was reported through an official email sent last Thursday, according to information confirmed by three U.S. authorities who spoke to the Times.
In an email, ICE’s official Tatum King said, “Today, please keep all working site enforcement surveys/agriculture surveys/operations (including aquaculture and meat packing plants), restaurants and operating hotels.”
The email also says it continues to investigate these industries, including “human trafficking, money laundering and drug smuggling.”
“We will follow the directions of the president and continue to acquire the worst crimes and worst crimes from the streets of America,” Homeland Security spokesman Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the report.
Economic and political impacts of immigrant raids
The suspension of the attacks potentially reflects government concerns about the negative impact these operations have on key economic sectors and election support. The agricultural industry in states, particularly California, relies almost exclusively on immigrant labor on daily operations.
The recent protests in Los Angeles, which have been triggered by massive migrant attacks in the community, have increased pressure on the government. This situation poses a dilemma for the president, who is trying to maintain support in key constituencies ahead of the upcoming Congress and midterm elections in 2026.
Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has implemented an unprecedented, severe immigration policy. His Cabinet officials recently held a meeting with ICE leadership, setting a minimum quota for 3,000 arrests per day.
The long-term outlook on immigration policy remains unchanged
The temporary halt of agriculture and hospitality raids is likely not representative of a fundamental change in Trump’s immigration policy, which remains aggressive in rhetoric.
Homeland Security Secretary Christy Noem has eased federal authorities from not leaving, and illegally those in the country and violent protesters “facing consequences.”
The administration relies heavily on crime-focused messaging, focusing on illegal arresting individuals in countries that are also violent criminals.
But that message was drawn by statistics revealed this week that show that the number of people arrested for immigration violations who have never faced other criminal charges or convictions have been shot to 7,800 this month from 860 in January this year.
The number of individuals arrested for criminal charges and convictions also increased, but the 91% rate was significantly lower.
