Trump Reverses Course, Orders Resumption of ICE Raids in Key Industries

The former president’s shifting stance on immigration enforcement causes confusion and concern.

After a brief pause, Donald Trump has abruptly reversed course, reinstating Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in the agricultural and hospitality sectors. This abrupt shift highlights the ongoing internal policy struggles within the former president’s orbit, generating further uncertainty about his approach to immigration.

The About-Face

Trump initially signaled a halt to the raids via a post on Truth Social, citing concerns about their impact on farmers and hotels. However, this reprieve was short-lived. According to reports, hardline immigration advisors quickly moved to quash the pause.

Example Tweet text.

— Username (@username) June 14, 2025

“The president has been incredibly clear,”

—Tricia McLaughlin, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary

The move reveals a divide between factions within the former president’s team. The deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, is said to have championed the continuation of workplace raids. As of 2024, ICE arrests stood at about 2,000 per day, short of the 3,000 daily arrests Miller targeted (DHS Report).

Economic and Political Implications

Trump’s shift comes as the administration seeks to ramp up enforcement, with the goal of increasing daily arrests. Workplace raids have the potential to destabilize sectors that rely heavily on immigrant labor. The United Farm Workers (UFW) dismissed the pause, indicating the raids persisted even during the brief reprieve.

With the resumption of raids, the administration faces the challenge of balancing its immigration enforcement priorities with the potential economic consequences of disrupting the workforce in critical industries.