By Jamie Martin
A recent immigration raid in Vermont has highlighted growing concerns among farmworkers over inconsistent federal enforcement. On April 21, eight dairy workers were arrested, including José Molina-Aguilar, whose asylum process was still pending.
“I was in the process of asylum, and even with that, they didn’t respect the document that I was still holding in my hands,” said Molina-Aguilar.
Following his release from detention, he is now working at a new farm and urging fellow workers to continue advocating for their rights.
The dairy sector in Vermont heavily depends on migrant labor. With over 90% of farms employing immigrant workers, the industry supports more than $5.4 billion in annual economic output.
Vermont accounts for most of New England’s milk production and hosts 480 dairy farms with thousands of cows and goats.
Despite a brief pause in immigration raids, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that enforcement would continue. This inconsistency has added to the distress of workers and employers alike.
Attorney Brett Stokes, representing the arrested workers, said, “These strong-arm tactics… all play a role in stoking fear in the community.”
Workers like Wuendy Bernardo face daily anxiety. She has lived in Vermont for over 10 years and is the primary caregiver for her five children and two orphaned sisters. Her future remains uncertain as she awaits updates on her deportation case.
Another voice of concern is Rossy Alfaro, a Migrant Justice advocate and former dairy worker. “It would all go down,” she said of the industry’s future without immigrants.
This ongoing crisis reveals the deep connection between immigrant workers and the stability of American agriculture.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-minchen-liang-eyeem
Categories: National