Farm workers in Ventura County are gripped by fear as the Trump administration announces a return to aggressive immigration raids targeting farms, hotels, and restaurants. Reports indicate that at least 35 individuals have already been detained in recent sweeps, leaving many workers anxious and hesitant to show up for work. Juan Reyes, a farmworker in Oxnard, expressed the palpable tension in the air, stating, “People are afraid because they see others being taken.”

As federal agents patrol the fields, the agricultural community is on high alert. Many workers are opting to stay home, while others feel they have no choice but to risk their safety to provide for their families. “It feels like we are growing used to the presence of ICE vehicles,” Reyes added, highlighting the normalization of fear in their daily lives.

The Ventura County agricultural sector, which generates a staggering $2 billion in revenue, is now facing the threat of a workforce crisis as the Department of Homeland Security ramps up operations. Advocates are calling for immediate legislative action, urging Congress to pass the ARMOR for Modernization Act, which aims to protect workers and ensure a stable labor supply essential for the region’s farming industry.

As the situation unfolds, the community is left grappling with uncertainty, balancing the need to work against the looming threat of raids. The message is clear: while fear reigns, the essential work continues, echoing the resilience of those who labor tirelessly in the fields. With immigration operations intensifying, the stakes have never been higher for Ventura County’s farmworkers.