US Farm Workers Fear Raids: New Survey Reveals Impact 2026

The US farm workers are living in fear as immigration raids and deportations escalate under the Trump administration, according to a new survey by the United Farm Workers Foundation. The survey, released Thursday, reveals that 92% of farm workers report that raids and deportations have affected their employment, and 90% worry about family separation. These findings highlight the profound anxiety gripping the agricultural workforce, many of whom are longtime residents of the United States.

Survey Reveals Widespread Fear Among Farm Workers

The survey, which gathered responses from 2,250 farm workers, paints a stark picture of daily life under heightened immigration enforcement. 61% of respondents say they are shopping less, and 29% are avoiding medical care due to fear of encountering immigration authorities. Additionally, 17% express fear of forced labor in immigration detention if arrested. These fears persist despite the fact that 80% of workers have been in the US for over a decade, and 41% for more than 20 years.

Yasmine, a DACA recipient and mother of two US citizen daughters, shared her story during a press conference. She said she has been in the US for over 20 years but now only leaves home for essentials. “When I leave to work, I’m afraid to not come home and to never see my daughters again,” she said. Her husband is undocumented, and the family has had to plan for potential separation.

Impact on Employment and Daily Life

The fear of raids is not just emotional; it has tangible economic and social consequences. Many workers are reducing their shopping trips, skipping medical appointments, and altering their routines. This can lead to untreated health conditions and increased financial strain, especially for families already living paycheck to paycheck. The survey also indicates that even documented workers, like DACA recipients, are facing delays in work permit renewals, adding to their uncertainty.

Key Findings at a Glance

• 92% of farm workers say raids/deportations affect their employment
• 90% worry about family separation
• 61% are shopping less due to fear
• 29% are not seeking medical attention
• 17% fear forced labor in detention
• 80% have been in the US for over 10 years

Comparison: Before and After Immigration Crackdown

This data underscores a dramatic shift in the lived experience of farm workers, who are essential to the US agricultural economy. Many have deep roots in their communities, yet now live in constant fear of being torn from their families.

Why This Matters for the Agricultural Industry

The agricultural sector relies heavily on immigrant labor, both documented and undocumented. When workers are afraid to leave their homes, they may miss work, leading to labor shortages and reduced crop yields. This can have ripple effects on food prices and the overall economy. Moreover, the psychological toll on workers and their families is immense, with children being forced to understand complex immigration policies at a young age.

Advocacy groups like the United Farm Workers Foundation are calling for policy changes to protect workers and their families. They emphasize that many farm workers have been contributing to the US economy for decades and deserve stability and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

In conclusion, the survey reveals a crisis of fear among US farm workers, with profound implications for their well-being and the agricultural industry. As immigration enforcement intensifies, the need for comprehensive reform and support for these essential workers becomes ever more urgent.