By Jamie Martin
Oregon's agricultural sector is feeling the pressure from increased immigration enforcement activities.
The Oregon Farm Bureau reports rising concerns after federal officers arrested a vineyard owner and his employee in Yamhill County, highlighting fears of labour shortages.
The owner, Moises Sotelo Casas, who runs a vineyard management business in Newberg, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials while heading to work.
According to ICE, he was deported in 2006 and had a past DUI conviction from 1997. However, public court records show only minor traffic violations, and local authorities couldn’t confirm the DUI claim due to record retention limits.
As much as one-third of Oregon's agricultural workers may lack legal status, making the region vulnerable to such disruptions. The Oregon Farm Bureau emphasized that labour access is critical to keeping farms running.
“Labor is always a concern for farmers because unlike other industries, it requires a labor force that is willing to work,” said spokesperson Austin McClister. “And most domestic workers don’t apply for jobs. And if we don’t have workers, we don’t get people fed.”
While the federal administration has shifted its stance on enforcement in farming communities, local farmers remain in a bind. Many support national leadership but depend on immigrant labour.
The Farm Bureau now focuses on providing farmers and workers with legal support and resources. A GoFundMe for Sotelo Casas’ family has raised over $100,000.
The Farm Bureau continues to advocate for long-term solutions. “We want to keep farming sustainable,” McClister said. “That sustainability requires a sustainable workforce.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-stockseller_ukr
Categories: National