Immigration Enforcement Poses Risk to Wisconsin's Dairy Industry
Wisconsin is facing challenges as increased immigration enforcement actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) threaten to disrupt its vital dairy industry. Governor Tony Evers expressed significant concern regarding the impact of these actions, particularly given the state's reliance on immigrant labor. The governor stated that approximately 70% of labor on Wisconsin dairy farms is performed by people without legal immigration status, according to a survey by the University of Wisconsin–Madison School for Workers.
As the nation's second-largest milk producer, Wisconsin's dairy farms operate year-round and require a steady workforce for tasks such as milking, feeding, and health monitoring of cows. The state has been grappling with domestic labor shortages, making immigrant workers essential to maintaining production levels. Evers emphasized the economic threat posed by sudden enforcement actions, which could potentially devastate the state's rural economy.
Furthermore, industry groups have raised concerns that without access to a stable workforce, dairy operations face increased costs, reduced output, and an elevated risk of farm closures. These disruptions could have widespread effects on related sectors, including processing, feed supply, transportation, and local communities.
While federal authorities describe ICE activities as routine enforcement of immigration law, the timing and scope of arrests have generated fear among workers and employers, potentially discouraging them from reporting to jobs or engaging with local institutions. This climate of fear may undermine productivity and animal welfare, especially in labor-intensive sectors like dairy.
The governor's stance aligns with calls for immigration reforms tailored to the agriculture sector, as existing visa programs do not sufficiently address the year-round labor needs of dairy farms. Despite efforts at the federal level, comprehensive immigration reform has yet to be achieved, leaving states like Wisconsin to navigate economic realities alongside federal priorities.
