Local Business · Fresno County
Immigration Raids Stall Farm Work in Central Valley
A surge in immigration enforcement across the Central Valley over the past two weeks has stalled agricultural work as some workers were detained and others stayed home. Growers in Fresno, Madera, and Merced counties reported significant drops in worker turnout, with one fig farm unable to ship full volumes due to missing harvest crews. While federal agents did not enter farm properties, arrests at supermarkets and roadsides created heightened fear among agricultural communities. The disruption threatens food production as citrus harvests begin and growers face potential prolonged operations through next month.