<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/kansas/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kansas</a> Republicans and cattle industry organizations have expressed concerns regarding recent arrests targeting <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/illegal-immigrants/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">illegal immigrants</a> at cattle processing facilities in the state, which were conducted by <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/ice" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)</a>.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS), who is up for <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/2026-elections" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">reelection</a> in November, criticized ICE for not coordinating with local law enforcement prior to its operations in southwestern Kansas last week. He stated, “When ICE operates in Kansas, it needs to coordinate with our local law enforcement. Our sheriffs and police know these communities better than anyone, and working together keeps officers and residents safe.” Marshall has been in contact with Homeland Security Secretary <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/markwayne-mullin/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Markwayne Mullin</a> and local law enforcement regarding the situation.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Senator <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/jerry-moran/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jerry Moran</a> (R-KS) noted that ICE appeared to be targeting illegal immigrants who have been charged with crimes. He emphasized the need for collaboration between the Department of Homeland Security and local law enforcement to safely execute warrants.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Mullin has denied that ICE made arrests at worksites in Kansas but has not disclosed the number of arrests made in the state last week. The arrests have raised concerns among workers, who are uncertain about the potential for future operations.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The arrests have already impacted the beef supply chain, with the Department of Agriculture reporting a decrease of 17,000 cattle processed on September 24 compared to the previous week. Groups representing workers in various industries have previously called for the Trump administration to prevent ICE from arresting workers without legal status, warning of potential economic consequences.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 2 union, representing 2,500 members in Dodge City, Kansas, stated that “ICE’s targeting of these communities sows fear, instability, and chaos into the lives of those trying to make a living and feed our nation.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Kansas Livestock Association, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, and Texas Cattle Feeders Association expressed similar concerns, stating that ICE operations are negatively affecting legal workers in the beef supply chain.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Trump administration has promoted its deportation efforts as a means to remove illegal immigrants from the workforce and increase job opportunities for Americans and legal immigrants. According to the Center for Migration Studies of New York, as many as 8.5 million illegal immigrants are part of the U.S. workforce, with significant representation in construction, accommodation, food services, and manufacturing.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A Pew Research Center survey published in October 2024 indicated that 75% of registered voters believe illegal immigrants primarily fill jobs that Americans do not want. However, the Federation for American Immigration Reform argues that there are no jobs that Americans will not do, citing studies that show a significant overlap between immigrant and U.S. worker employment.</p>