DHS Reverses Course on Exempting Farms, Hotels from Immigration Raids
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), under the directive of President Donald J. Trump, has reversed a prior policy that would have exempted agricultural producers and hospitality businesses from immigration enforcement actions. The decision underscores the administration’s firm stance on illegal immigration and signals a renewed commitment to holding all employers accountable—regardless of industry lobbying or economic pressure.
Originally, there had been internal discussion at DHS about shielding certain sectors, particularly farms and hotels, from aggressive enforcement actions. The rationale offered by some in the department was to avoid disruption to the food supply chain and the tourism industry. However, after significant backlash from conservative lawmakers, law enforcement officials, and grassroots supporters, President Trump swiftly intervened to eliminate the exemptions.
“Illegal immigration will not be tolerated in any sector,” Trump declared during a media briefing on June 16. “No one is above the law—whether you run a hotel or a dairy farm. We are restoring the rule of law across this nation.”
This policy shift follows Trump’s broader immigration crackdown, which includes the single largest mass deportation initiative in U.S. history. According to DHS sources, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been instructed to prepare for widespread workplace raids, especially in states with sanctuary policies or high concentrations of undocumented workers.
White House adviser Stephen Miller reportedly played a key role in advising the president against exempting any industries. “Once you start carving out special interests, you undermine the principle of equal enforcement,” a senior official stated. “That’s not the America First agenda.”
Industry leaders in agriculture and hospitality expressed concern over the impact of this policy, citing labor shortages and rising costs. The American Farm Bureau and the National Restaurant Association had both quietly lobbied for leniency, arguing that these sectors rely heavily on immigrant labor. But the Trump administration countered that the overreliance on illegal labor is not a justification for continued lawbreaking.
“We will not allow entire industries to be built on the backs of illegal labor,” Trump said. “There are millions of Americans—especially in rural and inner-city areas—who are ready to work if given the opportunity.”
The reversal has been applauded by conservative watchdog groups and border security advocates. Tom Homan, former acting ICE director, called the move “a bold correction that restores integrity to immigration enforcement.”
“This is exactly what President Trump promised,” Homan stated in a radio interview. “The last thing we need is to signal to the world that certain jobs are off-limits for enforcement. That’s how we got into this mess.”
From a biblical and moral perspective, many Christian conservatives support the decision as a necessary step toward justice and national sovereignty. Romans 13 is often cited, which commands believers to respect governing authorities and uphold the law. To turn a blind eye to illegal hiring, they argue, is to tacitly endorse lawlessness and economic exploitation.
Still, not all voices within the faith community are aligned. Some church leaders worry about the human cost to immigrant families. However, those aligned with the America First movement argue that compassion must be balanced with responsibility. “Mercy without justice is not biblical mercy—it’s an invitation to chaos,” said Rev. Daniel Hart of Texas. “We must secure our borders and enforce the law while treating individuals with dignity.”
Data released this week indicates that ICE operations have already increased by 40% in the past month. Several raids at large agricultural processing centers in California and meatpacking facilities in Nebraska have resulted in hundreds of arrests. Officials say that hotels and resorts in Florida, Nevada, and Arizona will likely be next.
The Trump administration has also reaffirmed plans to penalize employers who knowingly hire illegal workers. DHS is working in tandem with the Department of Labor to increase workplace audits and issue fines where appropriate. Business owners found violating employment laws could face prosecution and asset forfeiture under updated federal guidelines.
Critics within the Democratic Party claim the move is politically motivated and economically harmful. However, Trump supporters argue that enforcing immigration law is essential to national security and restoring fairness to the American labor market.
“The era of selective enforcement is over,” said Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH). “You don’t get to opt out of the law because it’s inconvenient for your profit margin. We are rebuilding a country where citizens come first.”
As the 2026 election cycle approaches, immigration remains a top concern for Republican voters. Trump’s firm approach may prove to be a winning issue, especially as public frustration grows with the perceived leniency of prior administrations. According to a recent Rasmussen poll, 62% of likely voters support workplace immigration raids if they are conducted fairly and with due process.
Despite the criticism, the Trump administration appears unwavering. “We’re not backing down,” Trump said. “This is about protecting American jobs, restoring law and order, and preserving the American dream for citizens—not illegal entrants.”
For conservatives, the DHS reversal represents not only a policy shift, but a restoration of principle. No longer will corporate interests override the sovereignty of the nation or the integrity of its laws. As Trump continues to deliver on his promises, one thing is clear: the days of sanctuary for lawbreakers—even in big business—are quickly coming to an end.
