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Immigration enforcement in Kern County disrupts farm labor during peak harvest season

In a recent development in Kern County, California, an immigration enforcement operation named "Operation Return to Sender" was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol's El Centro sector. This operation, described as the largest of its kind in the Central Valley in years, spanned several hundred square miles and involved a significant deployment of agents. The operation's visibility, including footage of Border Patrol SUVs near agricultural sites, led to a notable decrease in farmworker presence, affecting the local agriculture sector, particularly during harvest season.

Peter Belluomini, a citrus grower east of Bakersfield, reported a drastic reduction in his workforce, with only five out of an expected 30 workers showing up, significantly slowing down the harvest of lemons, mandarins, and navel oranges. This reduction in the labor force led to delays in the harvest and subsequent distribution processes, although Belluomini managed to fulfill orders with existing cold storage inventory. Similarly, the operation affected the county's vineyards, with reports of decreased worker attendance impacting winter pruning activities.

The operation, which resulted in 78 arrests, targeted individuals with criminal records, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. However, reports indicate that individuals without criminal histories were also detained, raising concerns among farmworkers and the broader community. The enforcement action has sparked discussions regarding the implications for the local agriculture sector, particularly in light of California's reliance on farmworkers for its labor-intensive specialty crop production.

Industry and community leaders have expressed concerns about the operation's timing and its potential impact on agricultural production and labor availability. The California Farm Bureau, among others, has advocated for legal status pathways for undocumented farmworkers to ensure a stable workforce. The Kern County Farm Bureau emphasized the distinction between farmworkers and criminals, advocating for support for the local farmworker community amidst these enforcement actions.

The operation's broader implications for California's agriculture sector, especially given the state's significant role in the country's food supply, underscore the ongoing discussions about immigration policy and labor in the agricultural industry.

Source: Ag Alert

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