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FLORIDA - Florida’s agricultural industry, which contributes approximately $132 billion to the state’s economy and supports over 2.2 million jobs, is facing potential disruptions due to immigration policies.
According to the Florida Policy Institute, immigration laws could cost the state $12.6 billion this year, with significant impacts on both the labor force and grocery store prices.
During a visit to Collier County, President Donald Trump was asked about his administration’s plans to address the arrest of undocumented farm workers.
Trump stated, "We’re very much cognizant of that. We’re going to work on something where the farmers can be responsible for some of the people who have, and they have people they know very well for 10-15 years. We’re going to hold them responsible, and we’re going to issue a form of a card or document, and the farmer will be responsible for these people. They won’t have citizenship, but they’ll be working and paying taxes."
Following this, tensions rose in Camarillo, California, where ICE agents arrested over 361 undocumented workers at marijuana facilities, leading to protests and clashes.
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue emphasized that the administration would continue with deportations, asserting that there would be "no amnesty" for undocumented migrants.
Studies suggest that nearly half of Florida’s agricultural workers are undocumented, though the exact number is uncertain.
Experts warn that without sufficient labor, production could decrease, leading to higher food prices.
The potential impact of these policies remains to be seen as Florida navigates the challenges of immigration enforcement within the agricultural sector.