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ICE raids are hurting critical economic sectors, North Orange County officials gather to say

ICE Raids Are Hurting Critical Economic Sectors, North Orange County Officials Gather to Say

ANAHEIM – In a packed community hall in north Orange County on Monday, a coalition of local officials, business leaders, and community advocates convened to voice growing concerns over the escalating impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids on the region's economy. The gathering, held at the Anaheim Community Center, highlighted how these operations are disrupting vital industries such as agriculture, construction, hospitality, and manufacturing, leading to workforce shortages, reduced productivity, and broader economic ripple effects. Speakers emphasized that the raids, which have intensified in recent months under federal immigration enforcement policies, are not only causing immediate harm but also instilling fear in immigrant communities that form the backbone of these sectors.

The event was organized by the North Orange County Economic Alliance, a nonprofit group dedicated to promoting local business interests, in collaboration with city councils from Anaheim, Fullerton, and Placentia. More than 150 attendees, including representatives from farms, hotels, and factories, listened as panelists shared stories and data illustrating the toll of the raids. "We're not here to debate immigration policy in its entirety," said Anaheim Mayor Pro Tem Maria Gonzalez, who moderated the discussion. "But we cannot ignore how these actions are crippling our local economy. Our farms are losing harvesters, our hotels are short-staffed, and our construction sites are grinding to a halt. This isn't just about numbers; it's about families and livelihoods."

At the heart of the complaints is the agriculture sector, which has long relied on immigrant labor in Orange County's remaining farmland areas, particularly around Yorba Linda and parts of unincorporated north county. According to data presented by the alliance, immigrant workers make up over 60% of the agricultural workforce in the region, contributing to the harvest of crops like strawberries, avocados, and citrus fruits that generate millions in annual revenue. Recent ICE raids, including a high-profile operation last month that detained over 50 workers at a Placentia packing plant, have left fields unharvested and produce rotting on the vine. Farmer Jose Ramirez, owner of a 200-acre strawberry farm, shared a poignant anecdote: "I lost half my crew overnight. These are people who've worked for me for years, paying taxes, supporting their families. Now, I'm facing a 30% drop in output, and I can't find replacements fast enough. If this continues, small farms like mine won't survive."

The construction industry echoed similar sentiments. North Orange County is undergoing a building boom, with projects ranging from affordable housing developments in Fullerton to commercial expansions in Anaheim's resort district. However, raids have targeted undocumented workers who fill essential roles in framing, roofing, and landscaping. A report from the Orange County Business Council, referenced during the meeting, estimates that the sector employs around 25,000 immigrant workers, many of whom are now avoiding job sites out of fear. "We've seen projects delayed by weeks, sometimes months," said Tom Daly, a former county supervisor and current advisor to the alliance. "Contractors are scrambling, costs are skyrocketing, and ultimately, it's the consumers who pay more for homes and services."

Hospitality, a cornerstone of Orange County's economy due to its proximity to Disneyland and other tourist attractions, is also reeling. Hotels and restaurants in Anaheim report staffing shortages that have forced reduced hours and even closures on peak days. Maria Lopez, manager of a mid-sized hotel near the convention center, described the situation as "devastating." "Our housekeeping and kitchen staff are predominantly immigrants. After a raid two weeks ago, we had to turn away guests because we couldn't clean rooms fast enough. Tourism brings in billions to this area – we're talking about jobs for everyone, not just immigrants."

Beyond the immediate economic fallout, speakers delved into the humanitarian and social costs. Community advocates from groups like the Orange County Immigrant Rights Coalition pointed out that the raids create a climate of fear, deterring even legal residents and citizens from participating in the workforce. "Families are being torn apart," said activist Elena Vargas. "Children are left without parents, and communities are destabilized. This isn't enforcement; it's economic sabotage." Vargas cited studies showing that immigrant households contribute significantly to local taxes, with undocumented immigrants alone paying an estimated $11.7 billion annually in state and local taxes nationwide, a figure that scales down to substantial amounts in California.

The gathering also touched on the broader context of federal immigration policies. Under the current administration, ICE has ramped up workplace raids as part of a strategy to curb illegal immigration, with operations increasing by 20% in Southern California over the past year, according to federal reports. Critics at the event argued that these actions overlook the contributions of immigrants to the economy while failing to address root causes like visa backlogs and the need for comprehensive reform. "We need pathways to citizenship, not more deportations," urged Fullerton City Councilmember Ahmed Zahra. "Our economy depends on these workers. Raids might satisfy political rhetoric, but they hurt real people and real businesses."

Historical parallels were drawn to underscore the urgency. Panelists recalled the 2018-2019 raids under previous administrations, which similarly disrupted industries but led to temporary reprieves through local advocacy. However, the current wave feels more aggressive, with ICE employing advanced surveillance and coordination with local law enforcement, despite California's sanctuary state status limiting such collaborations. "Orange County has a diverse history," noted historian Dr. Lisa Chen from Cal State Fullerton, who provided context during the panel. "From the bracero program in the mid-20th century to today's workforce, immigrants have built this region. Ignoring that erodes our foundation."

Economic data bolstered the arguments. A study commissioned by the alliance projected that continued raids could lead to a $500 million loss in north Orange County's GDP over the next year, affecting not just direct sectors but also ancillary businesses like suppliers, transporters, and retailers. Unemployment rates among native-born workers remain low, speakers noted, debunking claims that immigrants "steal jobs." Instead, they fill gaps in labor-intensive fields that many Americans avoid due to low wages and harsh conditions.

Calls to action dominated the latter part of the event. Officials urged attendees to contact federal representatives, including Senators Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler, to push for moratoriums on raids and support for bills like the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which aims to provide legal status for agricultural workers. Locally, proposals included expanding workforce training programs for immigrants and enhancing community outreach to build trust. "We must unite," said Gonzalez in her closing remarks. "This is about protecting our economy, our communities, and our values."

The meeting concluded with a resolution signed by over a dozen officials, pledging to lobby for change and monitor the impacts. Attendees left with a sense of solidarity, but also realism about the challenges ahead. As one business owner put it anonymously, "We've weathered storms before, but this feels like a hurricane aimed at our core."

While the event focused on economic arguments, underlying themes of equity and justice permeated the discussions. Immigrants, documented and undocumented, are integral to Orange County's fabric, contributing to its cultural vibrancy and economic resilience. The raids, advocates argue, threaten to unravel that tapestry, prompting a call for balanced policies that recognize these realities.

In the coming weeks, the alliance plans follow-up sessions and potential partnerships with state legislators to amplify their message. For now, the gathering serves as a stark reminder that immigration enforcement, when unchecked, can have profound local consequences far beyond the border. As north Orange County grapples with these issues, the debate underscores a national tension: how to enforce laws while sustaining an economy built on diverse labor forces. (Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full Orange County Register Article at:
[ https://www.ocregister.com/2025/07/21/ice-raids-are-hurting-critical-economic-sectors-north-orange-county-officials-gather-to-say/ ]