Increases tension between migrant agricultural workers after ICE raids

Uncertainty and fear have taken over the communities of agricultural workers in Californiaespecially in the Central Valleyafter a series of migratory raids carried out by the US authorities. According to ABC Newsthese actions are part of the operation called “Return to Sender”which has generated a significant impact on the lives of thousands of people who work in the fields, many of them without legal documentation. The situation not only affects the families of these workers, but it could also have serious consequences for the country’s economy, since this region is responsible for a fundamental part of national food production.

According to the media, the Central Valley of California, known as “The pantry of America”produces 25% of the country’s food and 40% of fruits, nuts and other agricultural products that reach the American tables. However, approximately half of agricultural workers in this region lack legal documentation, which makes them a vulnerable target in the face of accelerated deportation policies promoted by the president’s government Donald Trump. The images of raids made by the Immigration and Customs Control Service (ICE) They have sown panic among these communities, leading many to avoid leaving their homes for fear of being arrested.

The beginning of these raids dates back to mid -January, a few days before Trump again assumed the presidency on January 20. According to ABC Newsthe actions of the Border patrol In the county of Kernto the south of the central valley, they resulted in the Detention of 78 undocumented peoplesome of which had a criminal record. However, organizations defending immigrants have indicated that Not all detainees had criminal historywhich has intensified fear among agricultural workers.

The immigration lawyer Ana Alicia Huerta He explained to the environment that these raids are disintegrating families and generating a climate of constant fear. “There are families that are being separated. There are community members who are afraid to leave their homes, ”he said. According to Huerta, many people They have chosen for help from neighbors or friends with regular immigration status To carry out daily activities, such as Go to work or supermarketin order to avoid being detected by the authorities. This behavior reflects the deep psychological impact that these policies are having in the affected communities.

The fear of being arrested has modified the routine of thousands of agricultural workers. Some have stopped attending their jobs, which could have a direct impact on agricultural production. Xochilt Nuñezwho has worked in the fields of the Central Valley for 16 years, expressed concern about the possible consequences of this situation. “It is not easy to live with fear, when we are the ones who put food on their tables,” he told ABC News. Nuñez stressed that many of these workers They have dedicated decades of their life to agriculture in the United Statespaying taxes and contributing to the economy, but without obtaining basic rights as a work permit.

In addition to the impact on families, the decrease in labor in fields could cause an increase in agricultural products prices, affecting consumers throughout the country. “Can you believe that there are people who have been working and paying taxes here for more than 35 years, and have no right to a work permit?” Nuñez questioned. His words reflect the frustration of a community that, despite his contribution to the economy, continues to face vulnerability and uncertainty.

In response to raids, the United Farkers Foundation (UFW)the largest union that represents agricultural workers in the United States, organized a virtual press conference in January for denounce the arrest of at least two of its members. According to the organization, both workers had been living and working in the country for more than 15 years, and left their young children behind after being arrested. “One leaves two children under 10 years old, and the other leaves four children between the age of four and 10,” said the union, underlining the family impact of these actions.

For its part, Elizabeth Straternational vice president and director of strategic campaigns of the UFW, denied a report that stated that 75% of agricultural workers were ceasing to attend their work. According to Strater, although workers face great anxiety due to raids, They cannot afford to miss workespecially in full harvest season. “Despite the chaos generated by the raids, agricultural workers still have to keep their families,” he said. Strater emphasized that all workers, regardless of their immigration status, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

The fear of leaving home has taken some immigrant families to even avoid essential activities, such as Buy food. In this context, organizations such as Celebration Nationa non -profit organization led by Latinos, have intervened to provide support. Its founder, Flor Martínez Zaragozaexplained to ABC News that have begun to organize food distribution campaigns for agricultural workers in the area of Ash. “It is very ironic that we are feeding those who feed the nation, because they face food insecurity themselves,” he said during one of the help days.

In Kern County, fast response groups are also collaborating with immigration lawyers such as Huerta, who has urged people to know their rights. “If they arrest you, do not firm anything. Ask to talk to a lawyer, ”he advised. Huerta recalled that this is not the first time that the Central Valley community faces similar challenges, highlighting the legacy of leaders such as Dolores Huerta and César Chávezwho fought for the rights of agricultural workers in the past.

The fight for the rights of agricultural workers in the central valley has deep historical roots. Three generations after the mobilizations led by Chávez and Huerta, their descendants continue to defend these communities. Andrés Chávezgrandson of César Chávez and executive director of the Chávez National CenterHe pointed out that recent raids are a reminder of the challenges that agricultural workers still face. “If something has taught us the last week, it will be four long years. But, as my grandfather said, ‘you just lose when you give up, ”he said.

The situation in the central valley reflects a complex and urgent reality that affects not only agricultural workers, but also the economy and the United States food system. While communities face fear and uncertainty, local organizations and leaders continue to work to protect the rights of those who, despite everything, continue to feed the country.