Chicago – June 13, 2025
Farm workers across the U.S. are scared to go to work because immigration agents are increasing raids on farms, the leader of the United Farm Workers (UFW) union said. This fear could affect many families who depend on farm jobs.
Recently, federal agents searched farms in California, and last month they stopped a bus in New York and arrested over a dozen farm workers. The UFW, which represents thousands of farm workers, says these raids are happening more often.
Teresa Romero, UFW president, said even though workers are scared, they still come to work because they need to pay rent, bills, and feed their families.
The UFW, started by civil rights leader Cesar Chavez, asked farm employers to protect workers by teaching them about their rights and what law enforcement can legally do at work sites.
The government estimates about 40% of crop farmworkers do not have legal permission to work in the U.S.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson did not confirm details about the raids when asked.
