ICE raids in key industries were paused after lobbying from certain business groups — who became alarmed by labour shortages and consequent declining profits — whilst other areas saw an intensification of operations.
Details. On June 12, Trump ordered a pause in workplace raids targeting farms, meatpacking plants, hotels, and restaurants.
► In a Truth Social post, Trump admitted that deportation efforts were removing “very good, long‑time workers” and disrupting operations across multiple industries.
► While enforcement actions linked to serious crimes like human trafficking will continue, undocumented workers without criminal records are temporarily being left aside from workplace raids.
► The following day, Trump ordered an expansion of mass deportations in designated migrant sanctuary cities, such as Los Angeles. Continuing enforcement efforts while workplace raids in key industries remained on hold.
Context. The decision followed lobbying from major industry groups, including agricultural and hospitality associations, who warned that mass deportations were causing severe labour shortages.
► In Los Angeles, one of the targeted sanctuary cities, unrest followed ICE operations, prompting Trump to order a militarised crackdown.
► Mass deportations have historically led to a decrease in job positions, workplace safety and wages, with little to no positive effects for native labourers. This is caused by immigrant workers accepting even more exploitative conditions under the increased fear of deportation.