Trump Backtracks on ICE Raid Pause After Outcry, Orders Crackdown on Farms and Hotels

President Donald Trump reversed an internal directive that had paused certain immigration enforcement operations, triggering a swift return to workplace raids nationwide.

The decision followed growing criticism from within the president’s base, where concerns mounted over reports of potential carveouts for industries perceived to rely heavily on illegal labor.

Many supporters viewed the initial pause as a step away from the administration’s firm stance on immigration enforcement, prompting calls for a swift return to consistent and uncompromising workplace operations.

Federal immigration agents were instructed on Monday to continue job site operations nationwide, following a national call with 30 field office leaders confirming the policy reversal, according to individuals briefed on the matter.

The directive reversed an earlier internal communication that temporarily suspended ICE investigations at businesses such as meatpacking plants, hotels, farms and restaurants. 

That pause had been communicated through an email sent Thursday by a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official, advising agents to delay enforcement actions at those worksites, according to Trending Politics.

A senior ICE official reportedly followed up with instructions for agents to also avoid detaining individuals who had entered the country illegally but had not committed additional crimes. 

That guidance was reported by The New York Times, fueling concern among immigration enforcement supporters that worksite crackdowns were being softened.

Days earlier, Trump had posted a statement suggesting leniency for specific industries. 

In that message, he acknowledged pressure from major agriculture and hospitality players.

“Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace,” he wrote 

“In many cases the Criminals allowed into our Country by the VERY Stupid Biden Open Borders Policy are applying for those jobs.”

“This is not good,”he continued. “We must protect our Farmers, but get the CRIMINALS OUT OF THE USA. Changes are coming!”

According to The Washington Post, Trump’s initial comments were influenced by conflicting recommendations inside the White House. 

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins advised that raids be paused temporarily for some industries that rely heavily on foreign labor. 

However, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller opposed any exemptions, arguing that enforcement should remain broad and uninterrupted.

Ultimately, Trump sided with Miller’s position and ordered ICE to resume all worksite enforcement operations without exception. 

The administration has since emphasized that no sector will be given a safe harbor when it comes to illegal employment practices.

“There will be no safe spaces for industries who harbor violent criminals or purposely try to undermine ICE’s efforts,” said DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin. “Worksite enforcement remains a cornerstone of our efforts to safeguard public safety, national security and economic stability.”

With the directive reinstated, ICE is expected to continue workplace enforcement efforts nationwide, including in industries that had briefly anticipated a reprieve.

The administration’s return to a no-exemption policy signals a renewed focus on removing illegal immigrants from employment centers, regardless of the impact on specific sectors.

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