Farm workers across Ventura County are gripped by fear as immigration operations ramp up, with the Trump administration announcing a return to aggressive immigration raids targeting farms, hotels, and restaurants. The atmosphere is tense, with many workers opting to stay home, while others feel they have no choice but to show up to work, driven by the urgent need to support their families.

In a chilling scene captured on video, federal agents were seen pursuing a farmworker in Oxnard, intensifying the already palpable anxiety in the community. Juan Reyes, a local farmworker, expressed the overwhelming sense of dread, stating, “People are afraid because… people are being taken.” As he stands guard at a strawberry field, the presence of ICE vehicles has become a distressing norm.

Reports indicate that at least 35 individuals have been detained in recent immigration sweeps across Ventura County’s agricultural sector, a region that generates a staggering $2 billion from its labor force. Advocacy groups are calling for due process and legal representation for those affected, emphasizing that these workers deserve their day in court and the chance to remain with their families.

As the Department of Homeland Security prepares for potentially increased enforcement actions, local leaders are urging the administration to consider the implications of their policies on the agricultural industry. A new piece of legislation, the Armor for Modernization Act, is making its way through Congress, aiming to protect workers and ensure the continuity of the vital labor supply.

Despite the fear gripping the community, farmworkers are determined to continue their essential work, echoing the resilience they displayed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The situation remains fluid, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as Ventura County’s agricultural backbone faces an uncertain future amid escalating immigration operations.