Trump's Mass Deportations Are Pushing US Farms to Breaking Point [View all]

Source: Newsweek

Published Apr 28, 2025 at 5:00 AM EDT


President Donald Trump's mass deportation plans are pushing American farms to a "breaking point," experts warned. Martin Casanova, founder of THX, a program that connects 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."

Why It Matters

A key aspect of Trump's immigration agenda is the removal of millions of undocumented immigrants, with a focus on the immediate deportation of individuals who were in the U.S. illegally, especially those with criminal records. However, the president's flagship policy has sparked concerns about its potential ripple effects on the economy.

Business leaders are advocating for a more balanced approach that supports businesses while preserving the essential workforce crucial to their survival. Agricultural output will fall between $30 and $60 billion if Trump's flagship policy is carried out, according to the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC).

What To Know

The crisis facing U.S. agriculture is not just a political issue but an economic one. Labor shortages in the sector are already contributing to rising food prices. Farms are struggling to find enough workers to harvest crops, which results in lower yields, a tight supply, and higher costs for consumers. Perishable crops, such as fruits and vegetables, are particularly vulnerable.


Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/trump-mass-deportation-farms-breaking-point-2064190