The Trump administration’s deportation campaign is undergoing a significant shift away from targeting the agricultural and hospitality sectors, following acknowledgment by Donald Trump that these industries are being negatively impacted by immigration policies. According to a report by The New York Times, an internal email from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) directed regional leaders to halt workplace immigration enforcement actions unless tied to criminal investigations.

The guidance outlined in the email specifies a focus on criminal investigations related to human trafficking, money laundering, and drug smuggling within these industries while emphasizing a hands-off approach towards noncriminal individuals. This directive marks a departure from previous strategies and aligns with Trump’s recent statements about protecting certain sectors while prioritizing the removal of criminal illegal aliens.

The decision to adjust enforcement tactics comes amidst protests triggered by Ice raids, including a recent incident at a garment factory in Los Angeles. Trump’s initial campaign promise of mass deportations has evolved to target both undocumented migrants with criminal records and those without, affecting workers across various sectors and raising concerns about family separations.

The administration’s increased pressure on Ice to meet daily arrest quotas, as advocated by White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, has also played a role in shaping enforcement priorities. The potential economic repercussions of these policies have been highlighted, with businesses reporting declines in sales due to changes in shopping behavior linked to immigration enforcement actions.

Overall, the administration’s decision to pivot enforcement efforts reflects a balancing act between immigration control and protecting industries reliant on immigrant labor, as the ongoing debate surrounding deportation policies continues to unfold.