Fact Check: "ICE pauses worksite arrests in agriculture, then reverses decision."
What We Know
On June 13, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a directive pausing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids on agricultural businesses, hotels, and restaurants. This decision was reportedly made to alleviate concerns from farmers and workers about the impact of immigration enforcement during the crucial summer harvest season (source-4). However, just days later, on June 18, 2025, DHS reversed this directive, instructing ICE agents to continue conducting raids in these sectors. This reversal was communicated during a conference call with ICE field office supervisors, who were informed that the White House did not support the pause (source-1, source-2).
The decision to reverse the pause was met with confusion among ICE officials, with reports indicating that some were unclear about the reasons behind the change (source-2). The assistant secretary for DHS emphasized that worksite enforcement is a critical component of their strategy to ensure public safety and national security (source-1).
Analysis
The claim that ICE paused worksite arrests in agriculture and then reversed its decision is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The initial pause was officially documented in a directive from DHS, which aimed to provide temporary relief to agricultural sectors during a peak labor season (source-4). The subsequent reversal was also reported by major news outlets, including The Washington Post and Reuters, confirming that ICE was instructed to resume operations targeting these industries (source-1, source-2).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they include established news organizations known for their investigative reporting. The Washington Post, for example, has a long history of covering immigration issues and has been recognized for its journalistic integrity. The reports were based on information from multiple officials within ICE and DHS, adding to their credibility.
However, the rapid reversal of policy has led to confusion and concern among agricultural workers and employers, as highlighted by reports from local news outlets that documented the immediate effects of ICE's actions on labor availability and community anxiety (source-3). This indicates a significant impact on the agricultural sector, which relies heavily on immigrant labor.
Conclusion
The claim that ICE paused worksite arrests in agriculture and then reversed this decision is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that DHS initially halted raids in agricultural sectors but quickly reversed this directive, leading to renewed enforcement actions. This situation reflects the ongoing complexities and uncertainties surrounding immigration policy and its enforcement in the United States.
