HomeArchive by Category "Immigration"

Update: ICE raids on farms may not be paused

Reports are circulating in news sources today that the federal government IS NOT pausing immigration enforcement against farm employees. There has been no official communication from the White House about this issue to the public, the reports last week of a pause, and today of no pause, were based on news reporting about emails and communications that were internal to the Department of Homeland Security and the White House.

Farm employers and employees are advised to continue their best efforts for I-9 compliance and planning for any disruptions due to immigration enforcement.

 

ICE raids on farms paused

President Trump reportedly ordered Department of Homeland Security personnel, including ICE, to halt immigration enforcement on farms, hotels, and restaurants. Investigations and arrests for serious crimes can continue, but not for simply being in the country without authorized status. The new guidance is apparently based on email communications, we’ll report more here if more formal documentation becomes available.

Recording available: Planning for Immigration Enforcement at Your Farm Virtual Office Hour

Yesterday, Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development had the largest audience for the Virtual Office Hour since it’s inception in 2024. The topic was Planning for Immigration Enforcement at Your Farm. Ramped-up immigration enforcement is spreading fear and resulting in family and workforce disruptions across the farm landscape. This webinar primarily focused on making a plan for what to do in case of an immigration enforcement action at your farm.

Virtual Office Hour is hosted by Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development director, Richard Stup. Guest panelists included:

  • Mary Bess Lewis, Cornell Ag Workforce Development
  • Jason Stowel, Immigrant Community Liaison – The North Country, NYS DOS
  • Tonya Van Slyke, NEDPA
  • Varvara Chinenova, NY Immigration Coalition

The recording can be viewed here

Resources from yesterday’s webinar:

📄Planning for Immigration Enforcement at Your Farm

📄Introduction to Family Preparedness

📄Introduction to the NYS Office for New Americans

📄DOCE Detention Wage Services

🌐︎ DHS Protected Areas FAQs

🌐︎ Know Your Rights, Know Your Resources

📧Email to request a know your rights presentation: kyr@nyic.org

🌐︎ Community Resources for Immigrant NYers