Fields Empty, Hotels Struggle: Trump's Deportation Agenda Backfires on U.S. Economy

WASHINGTON— President Donald Trump’s mass deportation plans, a cornerstone of his second term, are raising alarms among farmers, hoteliers, and economists who warn that removing undocumented workers from agriculture and hospitality will drive up prices for American consumers. As labor shortages intensify, the ripple effects of these policies are already being felt in fields and hotels across the country, threatening economic stability in industries reliant on immigrant labor.

Labor Shortages Drive Up Costs

The U.S. agriculture sector, heavily dependent on undocumented workers, faces a crisis as deportation fears deter laborers. According to the Department of Agriculture, about 40% of crop farmworkers are undocumented, with some studies suggesting the figure could exceed 60% (Farm Futures), Martin Casanova, founder of THX, a program connecting consumers with farmworkers, told Newsweek, “We are dangerously close to a breaking point. In 2022, an estimated 15 million tons of produce were left unharvested in the U.S.—enough for 30 billion daily servings”. He added, “Labor shortages are a significant factor in rising food prices. When farms can’t find enough workers to harvest crops on time, yields drop, supply tightens, and prices increase.”

In California’s San Joaquin Valley, reported U.S. Customs and Border Protection raids near Bakersfield in January caused a temporary 25% to 75% drop in citrus harvest workers, according to Casey Creamer, president of California Citrus Mutual. Manuel Cunha Jr., president of Nisei Farmers League, noted that these raids “raised fears among farmworkers up and down the San Joaquin Valley, disrupting communities and causing people not to report for work.” The resulting labor shortages forced farmers to leave crops unharvested, tightening supply chains and pushing up grocery prices for consumers.

The hospitality industry, particularly hotels, faces similar challenges. Undocumented workers fill critical roles in housekeeping, maintenance, and food service, keeping operational costs manageable. Trump’s deportation plans threaten to shrink this workforce, forcing hotels to compete for a smaller pool of workers at higher wages. The American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC) estimates that agricultural output could fall between $30 and $60 billion if mass deportations proceed, with broader economic impacts felt in hospitality as well. These costs are likely to be passed on to consumers through higher room rates and dining expenses.

https://migrantinsider.com/p/fields-empty-hotels-struggle-trumps