As the Trump administration revamps immigration policies, the food-service sector is engulfed in fear due to anticipated crackdowns on undocumented workers. Immigrant labor, both authorized and unauthorized, is critical for many U.S. restaurants, with 21% of their workforce being immigrants. An estimated one million unauthorized workers further contribute to this dynamic. Following an ICE sweep at Ocean Seafood Depot, restaurant owners nationwide remain apprehensive about public commentary, fearing exposure to potential raids. The tensions are particularly palpable in cities like Chicago, where fears of impending immigration enforcement actions abound, leading to significant hesitation among industry leaders to speak out.
As the Trump administration changes target immigration, the food-service industry faces anxiety about a crackdown on unauthorized workers crucial to staffing restaurants.
The National Restaurant Association reported that 21% of restaurant workers in the U.S. are immigrants, with an estimated one million unauthorized employees further vitalizing the industry.
The NYC restaurant industry anticipates aggressive ICE actions post-inauguration, with fear leading many owners to decline interviews about potential immigration arrests.
Even prominent Chicago chefs are hesitant to publicly address immigration issues due to concerns for their businesses and employees amid evolving immigration policies.
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