Trump officials lift short-lived pause on ICE arrests at farms, hotels and restaurants

The Trump administration has made a quick turnaround on its decision to pause immigration arrests at farms, hotels, and restaurants. Just a few days after internally issuing the new policy, the administration has lifted the pause, allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials to continue carrying out targeted worksite enforcement operations.

According to sources familiar with the latest guidance, ICE officials were informed of the new directive during a call on Monday. The Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman, Tricia McLaughlin, stated that the President has been clear that there will be no safe spaces for industries that harbor violent criminals or undermine ICE’s efforts. Worksite enforcement, she added, is crucial for safeguarding public safety, national security, and economic stability.

The decision to lift the pause comes after concerns from industry leaders about the impact of the administration’s aggressive immigration crackdown on their foreign-born workers. President Trump himself acknowledged the reliance of U.S. farmers and hotel operators on immigrant employees and hinted at an upcoming order to protect these industries.

While last week’s pause on worksite enforcement operations seemed to be in conflict with the administration’s mass deportation plans, recent ICE arrests have increased. In June, daily ICE arrests reached 1,200, up from an average of 660 in the first 100 days of Trump’s presidency. The administration has been pushing for a daily arrest rate of 3,000, with support from other federal agencies like the FBI and Customs and Border Protection.

Last week, ICE conducted a large-scale operation at a meat processing plant in Omaha, Nebraska, resulting in the arrest of over 70 migrants. This operation was touted as the largest of its kind in the state. While the administration is ramping up worksite enforcement operations, the decision to lift the pause on immigration arrests at farms, hotels, and restaurants underscores the complex challenges of immigration enforcement in the United States.