Minnesota Farm Communities Say ICE Surge “Is Going to Be Very Damaging” For Business This Year

While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, members of Minnesota’s agricultural communities say they too are feeling the effects of the federal immigration crackdown.

Tense scenes unfolding in the metro have been shown in national and international media. But a similar scene unfolded earlier this month in Willmar, 100 miles west of Minneapolis. Willmar is the summer home to some of Minnesota’s best farmland. The Minnesota Farmers Union has 18,000 Minnesota members and says ICE raids have had a profound impact on their bottom line.

“There is no disagreement that hardened criminals need to be prosecuted. But the way this is happening its just hitting everyone indiscriminately,” Gary Wertish, president of the Minnesota Farmers Union, said.