AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Rick Naerebout, executive director of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association to discuss the impacts of immigration raids on dairy and beef operations.

Veterinarians play a key role in working with their clients on a variety of labor issues. Helping clients prepare for a potential ICE raid is a conversation that veterinarians may consider having as they work with the caregivers on these operations. The intent of this podcast is for general advice and discussion purposes and not be construed as legal advice which should come from a licensed attorney specific to your needs and circumstances. Veterinarians should encourage clients to reach out to an attorney who specializes in immigration law and review the links provided for further resources and contact information.

Immigrants are not only important on farms, but also constitute a significant portion of the labor force in meat processing facilities. Labor shortages in any part of the supply chain could have negative impacts on beef and milk prices for our clients. Naerebout discusses that the majority of the volume of fluid milk in the country is harvested by immigrant labor and it is estimated that at least 50% of the workforce does not have legal status. The utilization of immigrant labor is also regionally influenced in the U.S. and therefore in some areas of the country, these figures will be higher. 

Naerebout discusses some of the challenges immigrants face in securing legal documentation to work on beef and dairy operations or meat packing facilities. H2A visas are for seasonal work and TN visas require a degreed position, neither of which may qualify for many of the employment opportunities on our clients' farms. 

Preparing your clients is important. Discussing with employees and managers what they should do in the event of an ICE raid is an important part of preparation, along with securing legal counsel. Naerebout also recommends signage at the entrance to the facility as well as signage that delineates public vs. private areas is critical. An administrative warrant does not authorize agents to enter private areas and therefore signage should be visible identifying such areas. 

For more information, visit these links:

National Immigration Law Center

American Immigration Council

American Immigration Lawyers Association