Chicago’s Immigration Sweeps Leave Restaurant and Food Industry Employers Feeling ‘Anxious’
Business and industry leaders on Monday braced for a backlash against immigrant workers in the Chicago area, one day after federal agents, top Trump administration officials and right-wing media personality Dr. Phil McGraw arrived in the city for targeted arrests.
Sam Toia, president of the Illinois Restaurant Association, on Monday said its members are “very anxious” about possible arrests of Chicago area workers by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
But as of Monday morning, there have been no reports of restaurant employees being arrested; nor had Toia heard anything about workers failing to show up for work because of fears of an ICE raid.
Economic Concerns
Nationwide, ICE announced 956 total arrests on Sunday and 286 on Saturday. While some of the operations may not have been unusual, ICE averaged 311 daily arrests in the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30.
If ICE does arrive at restaurants, Toia advised employers to make sure agents have a warrant and to comply with the law that requires I-9 forms to be turned over to the federal officials within 72 hours. I-9’s are government identity and employment authorization forms.
Toia also suggested contacting the Illinois Restaurant Association so it can connect restaurant workers with pro-bono lawyers at immigration advocacy groups.
“We always tell our folks to make sure they have documentation before they put anyone to work. We’re here to comply with the law,” Toia said.
Restaurant Owners Speak Out
During an online news conference on Monday, Marc Schulman, president of Eli’s Cheesecake in Chicago, said his company relies on immigrant employees. The iconic bakery has hired immigrant workers who are permanent residents through a 30-year partnership with Refugee One, a Chicago refugee resettlement and social services organization. Eli’s Cheesecake has hired refugees from Kosovo, Congo, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and other countries.
“We can’t imagine our business without the contributions that these individuals make,” Schulman said. “They have made our culture better. They have great skills.” He added that his grandparents arrived in the U.S as refugees in 1906.
National Impact
During the news conference, business owners in other states expressed their concerns.
Tony DiMare, president of DiMare Fresh, the largest tomato grower in Florida, said the company relies on immigrant labor because American citizens don’t apply for their farm jobs. Most of its staff are in the U.S on H-2A visas for temporary agriculture workers.
“It is more and more challenging to find a legal domestic workforce. Our only alternative is to lean on the federal guest worker program,” said DiMare. “[Americans] won’t do this type of labor. We have to look to alternatives to bring in other workers.”
Conclusion
The potential consequences of mass deportations on the U.S. economy and industries are significant. The American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC) estimates that mass deportations could cost $88 billion in one year and cause significant economic harm. The Illinois Restaurant Association, ABIC, and other industry leaders urge the U.S. government to provide legal pathways for law-abiding immigrants to contribute to the economy.
FAQs
Q: What is the current situation in Chicago regarding immigration sweeps?
A: As of Monday morning, there have been no reports of restaurant employees being arrested or workers failing to show up for work due to ICE raids.
Q: What are the concerns of restaurant and food industry employers?
A: The Illinois Restaurant Association and other industry leaders are concerned about the potential economic impact of mass deportations and the potential loss of skilled workers.
Q: What are the economic concerns of mass deportations?
A: The American Business Immigration Coalition estimates that mass deportations could cost $88 billion in one year and cause significant economic harm.
