More ICE raids are ongoing, and a recent target on farm laborers in California forced the workers to flee for their lives. On June 10, ICE agents raided a produce farm in Ventura County and went after the employees. With the target now on farm workers, citizens predict increased food prices. A clip capturing the moment the laborers were in a hot chase from the customs agents was shared on Reddit. About three employees ran tirelessly through a large field.
While the laborers ran, police vans followed in pursuit. Although it is unclear whether the wage earners were arrested, one of the police vehicles was spotted catching up with them.
One worker recounted the incident, saying the customs officials entered the farm around 6 am. “We saw a car when we were on the side, the car was coming, and ICE was following the car,” the employee told ABC 7.
Other laborers opened up about experiencing anxiety from going to work because they feared the customs authorities might show up during working hours. An anonymous employee said, “What I fear is that sometimes, out of necessity, it forces us to show up wherever there’s work. Because of everything that’s happening, it is a bit difficult for us.”
A spokesperson for the UFW foundation criticized the custom officials for the unwarranted arrests. “They are just taking innocent people who are trying to build their own American Dream,” the rep said. “This is not Law enforcement. It is a campaign of fear against people whose only crime is living and working in the U.S.”
News of the farm raid has reignited the anger of internet users already upset at the Trump administration. One netizen wrote, “Federal Government is attacking workers who produce our food.” This other social media user questioned the government for targeting diligent workers. “Why are they arresting the hard workers instead of the corrupt employers?” the user asked.
Another Redditor pointed out that the economy was going to get affected by these ICE sweeps, writing, “Food is about to get real f**king expensive.” An observer blasted the Trump administration, “It’s pretty chicken shit behavior to arrest the people that grow and pick your food.”
A fifth Redditor added, “Dystopian, locking up farm workers, the people who matter most.” Another commenter pointed out the importance of farm workers.
The farm raid comes amidst several protests nationwide against ICE crackdowns. However, it is becoming apparent that the administration is not backing down.
