Trump Halts ICE Raids in Agriculture, Hotel, and Restaurant Sectors

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency to temporarily suspend workplace raids and arrests in the agriculture, hospitality, and restaurant industries. The directive was reported by The New York Times, citing an internal email sent to ICE personnel.

The message, signed by senior ICE official Tatum King, states: “Effective immediately, please pause all worksite-related operations in the agriculture sector, including aquaculture and meat processing, as well as in active restaurants and hotels.”

While worksite investigations are being suspended in these sectors, enforcement related to human trafficking, money laundering, and narcotics smuggling will continue. Agents were also instructed to refrain from arresting undocumented immigrants who are not connected to criminal offenses.

This policy shift comes after growing pressure from business leaders. In a post on Truth Social, Trump acknowledged concerns from farmers and hospitality executives, stating that overly aggressive immigration enforcement was depriving key industries of reliable long-term workers who are difficult to replace.