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Newsweek
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
ICE Raids on US Farms Leaves Crops Rotting
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Immigration enforcement operations on farms have left crops rotting and farm operations disrupted in major agricultural states including California, Texas, and Pennsylvania. Farm owners and industry representatives report that up to 70 percent of workers stopped reporting to work following Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, resulting in significant crop losses and financial strain. "We do not have enough workforce in the United States to do manual work, to do those jobs that other people are not qualified to do and do not want to do it," Alexandra Sossa, CEO of Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project, told Newsweek. "For example, we are running into a problem where we do not have enough farm workers to grow the food we eat every day. "Now we do not have enough workers to go to the meatpacking processing industries and factories to produce, to pack the food that we are eating." Why It Matters The labor shortage has drawn criticism from business leaders and renewed debate over the need for immigration and visa system reform, though Congress has yet to act to pass legislation to deliver security for farm workers. Some of those advocating for the mass deportations of illegal immigrants believe that their jobs should be done by legal immigrants or American citizens. On May Day farm workers march to a Hannaford supermarket to protest the supermarket chain's refusal to purchase milk from dairy suppliers who have committed to a set of fair labor practices, May 1, 2022,... On May Day farm workers march to a Hannaford supermarket to protest the supermarket chain's refusal to purchase milk from dairy suppliers who have committed to a set of fair labor practices, May 1, 2022, in Burlington, Vermont. More Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images What To Know Labor shortages come amid estimates from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that nearly half of the nation's agricultural workforce is in the country without legal status. States like California, which produce more than one-third of the country's vegetables and three-quarters of its fruits and nuts, rely heavily on this labor force. Farmers say the increased enforcement in June led to widespread crop loss and food waste. Producers warn that continued labor disruptions could affect the food supply chain, drive up costs for consumers, and force farms to shut down or automate more quickly. The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, which represents over 25,000 members, cautioned that instability in farm labor threatens both food affordability and availability nationwide. Similar labor shortages hit the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, where reports detailed entire farms left empty for days. Official statistics showed that up to 75 percent of farm workers did not report for duty in some regions after ICE enforcement. Consumer advocates warn of higher food prices and less reliable access to produce if labor shortages persist. Research from Oxford Economics stated native-born workers are unlikely to replace lost immigrant labor, as their employment patterns differ significantly. The future of American agriculture and food stability may hinge on how swiftly policymakers can respond to the sector's call for balancing enforcement with sustainable labor policies. President Trump and the White House have given mixed messages in recent weeks on whether ICE would carry out enforcement actions on farms, as well as at hospitality businesses. Trump initially said two weeks ago that he heard the concerns from these industries, with reports that agents had been told to pause raids. This was walked back a few days later, before Trump then said again that he was looking at a solution for farm workers specifically. The American Business Immigration Coalition and other advocacy groups, as well as Republican Representative Andy Harris, backed the idea of a long-term solution for farm workers. There have been some efforts in Congress to find a solution, with Representatives on both sides of the aisle reintroducing a 2019 bill in May, which would shore up the legal status of farm workers. As with many pieces of legislation around immigration, a definitive step forward is yet to be seen. The White House told Newsweek that Trump had been working to help farmers, including eliminating 10 regulations for every new regulation, as well as negotiating the U.K. trade deal, which expanded the markets available to them. What People Are Saying White House spokesperson Anna Kelly, in a statement to Newsweek: "President Trump has always stood up for our farmers, who were a major part of his November victory, by working to negotiate fairer trade deals and cut red tape. He will continue to strengthen our agricultural industry and boost exports while keeping his promise to enforce our immigration laws and remove the millions of unvetted illegals who flooded into the United States under Joe Biden." Alexandra Sossa, CEO of Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project, told Newsweek: "It's affecting the economy of the whole country and people who used to pay taxes and contribute to the economy now are in deportation centers." Frank Knapp, managing director of the Secure Growth Initiative, told Newsweek via email: "Clearly, farmers who depend on undocumented labor (which is most of them) are suffering and losing money. The harmful consequences to the economy and food supply is obvious. "No business should be given such life and death control over its employees. Plus, there should be no 'favored' industry regarding immigration enforcement. All small business owners suffer financially when their employees are taken or too scared to come to work. They all suffer financially when immigrants stop spending money in their local communities." California Democratic Representative Zoe Lofgren, in a May press release on the Farm Workforce Modernization Act: "As economic chaos and confusion continues, it is essential we provide stability to this critical workforce. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act would do so, which will protect the future of our farms and our food supply. It is well-past time we get this bipartisan legislation twice passed by the House of Representatives to the President's desk." What's Next Worksite raids by ICE are still underway, with the president yet to officially announce the solution he promised just over a week ago.
Black America Web
09-06-2025
- Black America Web
Top 10 Most Notorious Prisons In The U.S.
Source: Andrew Lichtenstein / Getty The Complex Legacy of the U.S. Prison System The U.S. prison system has a storied past, marked by its complexity, controversy, and cultural impact. No two prisons are alike, yet certain facilities stand out for their infamous reputations, historical significance, and notorious inmates. These institutions represent some of the most crucial intersections of justice and punishment, each with stories that reflect broader societal challenges and shifts in the American approach to incarceration. Prisons in the United States date back to the early 18th century, starting with small penitentiaries that focused on reforming individuals. However, by the mid-20th century, the system expanded dramatically, responding to rising crime rates, stricter laws, and cultural shifts. Today, these institutions hold millions of people and play a pivotal role in the justice system, with some achieving notoriety for their size, inmate populations, or the severity of their security measures. Facilities like ADX Florence in Colorado, dubbed 'The Alcatraz of the Rockies,' symbolize the extreme levels of control implemented in modern incarceration. With near-total isolation for inmates, its methods have sparked debates over human rights and mental health. The massive Rikers Island in New York captures a different side of the penal system, holding thousands of short-term detainees while grappling with widespread allegations of violence and neglect. Meanwhile, San Quentin in California blends a grim legacy of executions with modern efforts at inmate rehabilitation, including groundbreaking media programs led by the prisoners themselves. Prisons also hold a prominent place in cultural narratives, thanks to their infamous inmates and historical events. Figures like Al Capone, Ted Kaczynski, and Tupac Shakur have brought attention to these facilities, while iconic moments, such as the Attica Prison Riot of 1971, highlight systemic failures and the ongoing push for reform. These prisons exist at the crossroads of justice and societal reflection. They underscore the tensions between safety, punishment, and rehabilitation, serving as a mirror that reflects the broader national conversation about equity, humanity, and the role of incarceration in shaping lives. With their notoriety often casting them into the spotlight, these facilities tell stories that go beyond their walls, weaving into the cultural fabric of America. Check out the list below. 10. United States Penitentiary, MarionLocation: Marion, Illinois Capacity: Approximately 1,000 inmates Opening its doors in 1963, USP Marion quickly became the most secure prison in the United States by the late 1970s. It introduced the concept of a 'control unit' after violence led to a prolonged lockdown, becoming the nation's first SuperMax facility. Though its status as a SuperMax has since changed, Marion houses one of only two Communication Management Units in the country, primarily holding Arab-American prisoners. Notable inmates: Mafia boss John Gotti, baseball legend Pete Rose, and serial killer Thomas Silverstein. 9. Rikers IslandLocation: Queens, New York Capacity: Approximately 14,000 inmates Rikers Island is a sprawling jail complex comprising ten separate facilities. It is notorious for housing individuals awaiting trial, those unable to post bail, and people serving short sentences. Over the years, Rikers has developed a harsh reputation due to reports of violence, neglect, and overcrowding. Notable inmates: Music icons Tupac Shakur, Lil Wayne, and DMX, along with David 'Son of Sam' Berkowitz and Sid Vicious. 8. Louisiana State Penitentiary (Angola)Location: Angola, Louisiana Capacity: 5,000 inmates Once a plantation, Angola is now the largest maximum-security prison in the United States, covering 18,000 acres. Known as 'The Alcatraz of the South,' the prison holds Louisiana's male death row inmates and includes the state's execution chamber. Despite its grim history, Angola has drawn attention for its prison rodeos and rehabilitation programs. Notable inmates: The Angola Three, whose controversial imprisonment placed the prison under a global spotlight. 7. Leavenworth Federal PenitentiaryLocation: Leavenworth, Kansas Capacity: 2,000 inmates Leavenworth is a medium-security federal prison for men operated by the Bureau of Prisons. Known for its historical importance, it has housed some of the most notorious offenders and serves as a symbol of the justice system's rigid framework. Notable inmates: Mobster Bugs Moran, NFL quarterback Michael Vick, and gangster George 'Machine Gun' Kelly. 6. Folsom State PrisonLocation: Folsom, California Capacity: 1,813 inmates Opening in 1880, Folsom is California's second-oldest prison and was the first in the nation to have electricity. It remains one of the most infamous maximum-security facilities, recognized globally thanks to Johnny Cash's live prison performances. Notable inmates: Death Row Records co-founder Suge Knight, cult leader Charles Manson, and musician Rick James. 5. Attica Correctional FacilityLocation: Attica, New York Capacity: 2,150 inmates Attica, a supermax prison, gained infamy during a 1971 riot that left 39 people dead, including hostages and correctional officers. This tragic event led to significant changes in prison security measures, including the installation of tear gas systems. Attica remains a facility for high-risk individuals with prior disciplinary issues. Notable inmates: Rapper Tupac Shakur, John Lennon's assassin Mark David Chapman, and David 'Son of Sam' Berkowitz. 4. United States Penitentiary, AtlantaLocation: Atlanta, Georgia Capacity: 2,000 inmates A medium-security transfer facility, USP Atlanta houses inmates awaiting relocation. It has been a holding site for Cuban refugees and other prominent figures. The prison drew attention in the 1980s due to overcrowding in its isolation cells. Notable inmates: Financial fraudster Bernard Madoff, Black Mafia Family Leader Big Meech, and NFL quarterback Michael Vick. 3. Sing SingLocation: Ossining, New York Capacity: 1,700 inmates The historic Sing Sing prison is one of the oldest in New York, famously built using stone from a nearby quarry. It served as the site of over 600 executions in its heyday. Today, there are plans to transform parts of the facility into a museum to honor its place in criminal justice history. Notable inmates: Organized crime figure Charles 'Lucky' Luciano. 2. San Quentin State PrisonLocation: Marin County, California Capacity: 3,302 inmates California's oldest prison, opening in 1852, San Quentin houses the largest male death row population in the U.S. Executions, initially via gas chamber and now by lethal injection, make the facility infamous. Known for its active role in rehabilitation programs, it also has a media team called San Quentin News. Notable inmates: Activist Stanley 'Tookie' Williams, founder of the Crips gang. 1. ADX FlorenceLocation: Florence, Colorado Capacity: 490 inmates Dubbed 'The Alcatraz of the Rockies,' ADX Florence is the U.S.'s only federal SuperMax prison, reserved for the most dangerous criminals. It provides almost complete isolation for its inmates, with minimal human interaction. Each prisoner spends the majority of the day in solitary confinement, a practice heavily debated for its mental health implications. Notable inmates: Domestic terrorist Ted Kaczynski, Chicago gangster Larry Hoover, and Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh. RELATED: Trump Commutes Sentence Of Larry Hoover, Social Media Reacts In Side Eye These prisons serve as stark reminders of the complexities of justice in America. Their histories, coupled with noted inmates, reveal stories of both tragedy and reform, underscoring the ongoing debate about incarceration and its impact on society. SEE ALSO Top 10 Most Notorious Prisons In The U.S. was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Rents Drop for Third Consecutive Year After 2022 Peak—Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Rents across the U.S. have dropped significantly as affordability in many of America's big cities increased in 2025, according to a report from In April 2025, U.S. median rent dropped 1.7 percent year-over-year, for studio to 2-bedroom properties across the United States' 50 largest metropolitan areas. With a slow but steady decline, median rent is now $60, or 3.4 percent, less than the peak in August 2022. "The [COVID-19] pandemic took everyone in the real estate market by surprise, from landlords to property builders," Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek. "The result was some major cities that saw a surge in new residents moving in didn't have enough housing to meet the demand, sending rents soaring. Now a few years removed, these same metro areas are now dealing with housing availability that more than meets demand and some residents who came during the pandemic returning to their former homes." Why It Matters Landlords often increase rent prices because of inflation and changing housing and rental markets. Last year, roughly one-quarter of American renters said they could no longer afford to pay their rent, according to an Intuit Credit Karma study. Last month's rent-to-income ratio was 23.4 percent for renters earning the typical household income, down from 24.7 percent in April 2024, said. An apartment building on January 31, 2025, in the borough of Brooklyn, New York City. An apartment building on January 31, 2025, in the borough of Brooklyn, New York City. Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images What To Know The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development believes that renters and homeowners should be spending no more than 30 percent of their income on housing. Only five of the top 50 U.S. metros still have a ratio higher than 30 percent median household income, including New York, Los Angeles and Boston. Miami was the least affordable rental market in April, with a median rent for a typical studio to 2-bedroom unit 1.3 times higher than the estimated maximum. Oklahoma City, Austin, Columbus and Raleigh area metros had some of the most affordable rental ratios at less than 20 percent of income. Meanwhile, certain rental-unit sizes have seen bigger drops in prices than others. Studio apartments dropped $27 last month, compared to the same time last year. That's a 1.9 percent decline to $1,410. What People Are Saying Nationwide title and escrow expert Alan Chang told Newsweek: "Between planning, funding, permitting and building, establishing new multi-family rentals takes substantial time and energy that has finally caught up to demand from the 2020-21 spike in demand. Limited supplies of rentals caused an increased rent, now that the inventory finally met the demand levels, the cost of rent can start to normalize, making rentals more affordable in some areas." Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: "Let's be clear, rent 'falling' is all relative. We're coming off a period of runaway inflation, triggered by the pandemic and the economic chaos that followed. Rents shot up too, and anytime that happens there's usually a pullback." "We've now seen 21 straight months of year-over-year rent declines across the 50 largest metros. Sounds good, right? But here's the catch, median rent is still only about $60 lower than the peak we saw back in August 2022. So yes, prices are cooling, but they're not exactly inexpensive." Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of told Newsweek: "It's the first time in at least five years that rent feels manageable at 23 percent of median income. Down here, Miami's still brutal at 40 percent, but most markets? They're in this sweet spot where supply might have finally caught up with demand." What Happens Next It's likely rent prices will continue on a downward trajectory, and the Midwestern markets are leading the shift. "It's natural to see rents start to steadily decline in those markets, particularly in the Midwest, and thus bring the national average down from its highs," Beene said. However, because the progress is slow, Thompson said prices are likely to stay "sticky" and high. "Those expecting prices to return to pre-pandemic levels are mistaken, and this is the new world by which they live," Thompson said. "It is just going to take a larger portion of one's income to rent in this new environment, and as tariffs start to kick in, I would expect those prices to move higher as landlords recoup their insurance and maintenance cost."
Black America Web
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Black America Web
Harvard Fights Back Against Trump International Student Ban With Lawsuit
Source: Andrew Lichtenstein / Getty Following a move that has stunned the global academic community and sparked widespread legal and diplomatic outrage, Harvard University filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked its ability to enroll international students under the F-1 visa program. The adverse decision impacts over 7,000 current students and scholars, many of whom contribute not only to Harvard's academic fabric but also to the broader U.S. innovation and research ecosystem. Harvard's response was swift and unapologetic. The university called the DHS decision an 'unlawful and unwarranted action' and a clear act of political retaliation for refusing to cede to government demands to reshape its curriculum and institutional governance. Harvard President Alan Garber reaffirmed the school's commitment to its international community, stating, 'Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard.' This legal showdown isn't just about student visas. It's a flashpoint in a broader campaign by the Trump administration to reshape American higher education by coercing elite institutions into aligning with its ideological views. The administration's move also risks undermining the United States' standing as a global leader in education, research, and intellectual diplomacy. For decades, international students have been a cornerstone of the U.S. higher education system, bringing cultural diversity, fresh perspectives, and often, significant financial contributions. At Harvard alone, 27% of the student body hails from over 140 countries. These students often pay full tuition, rarely qualify for federal aid, and are deeply embedded in research labs and academic projects that fuel the nation's global competitiveness. Harvard's lawsuit accuses DHS of violating the First Amendment and the Due Process Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The suit states that the federal government is punishing the university for resisting its attempt to police academic ideology and student political activity, particularly protests the administration has labeled 'anti-American' or 'pro-terrorist.' DHS claims the ban stems from Harvard's 'failure to condemn antisemitism' and for allegedly creating an 'unsafe' environment for Jewish students. Yet Harvard contends it met all DHS requests for information and was given no opportunity to contest the revocation before it was imposed. Source: Boston Globe / Getty The potential damage is staggering. Harvard's research labs—already burdened by a freeze on $2.2 billion in federal funding—now face the prospect of losing critical contributors. The Medical School and School of Public Health have begun scaling back operations, a direct consequence of political interference. According to one professor, if this policy is enacted, 'many labs will empty out.' The implications reach far beyond Cambridge. If allowed to stand, the decision sets a dangerous precedent for how the federal government can weaponize immigration law to punish academic dissent. It's also a poor strategic move for the country; U.S. universities are one of its strongest soft power tools, attracting top minds from around the globe and fostering international goodwill. Alienating these students not only harms America's reputation but opens the door for other nations, like China, to swoop in and offer alternatives. Indeed, the backlash abroad has already begun. Chinese officials condemned the decision, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning warning that the move 'will only damage [America's] own image and international credibility.' China, which sends over 1,200 students to Harvard annually, sees the move as another escalation in an already tense bilateral relationship. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology even issued a public offer to affected Harvard students, promising a smooth transfer and full academic support. Meanwhile, student leaders and faculty on campus have rallied around their international peers. Harvard's chapter of the American Association of University Professors issued a blistering statement denouncing the move as 'an unconstitutional assault' on students and academia. Student government leaders like Abdullah Shahid Sial are actively working with the administration to support affected students, including exploring transfer options. The legal path forward is uncertain, but Harvard has made it clear that it will not capitulate to political pressure at the expense of its core values. This fight isn't just about visas—it's about the soul of American higher education. And as Harvard's lawsuit states plainly: 'With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard's student body.' The stakes could not be higher. SEE ALSO: NYU Withholds Diploma From Student Who Denounced Gaza War Malcolm X's Legacy Is The Blueprint For Black Self-Sufficiency SEE ALSO Harvard Fights Back Against Trump International Student Ban With Lawsuit was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Black America Web
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Black America Web
Concerns Grow Over Removed Exhibits At NMAAHC AKA ‘The Blacksonian'
Source: Andrew Lichtenstein / Getty Amidst President Trump's flurry of executive orders targeting civil rights and Black history, concerns are growing over exhibits being rotated out at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). According to NBC News, certain artifacts and exhibits detailing the history of slavery and the civil rights movement are being rotated out of NMAAHC amid a potential review by the White House. In March, President Trump signed the 'Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,' executive order that, among many other things, requires museums to remove exhibits that showcase 'improper ideology.' Of course, 'improper ideology' is simply code for 'any piece of American history that makes white people feel uncomfortable and/or reminds them of the horrors this country was built on.' But I get it, 'improper ideology' is less of a mouthful. From NBC News: NBC News went inside the museum and found at least 32 artifacts that were once on display have been removed. They include Harriet Tubman's book of hymns filled with gospels that she is believed to have sung as she led enslaved people to freedom through the underground railroad, as well as a cloth made by enslaved people and a photo of the hip-hop group Public Enemy. Also removed was the 'Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass,' the memoir by one of the most important leaders in the abolition movement. Both items were gifted to the Smithsonian. Both the White House and NMAAHC have pushed back against the idea that these removals were a result of the executive order. White House spokesperson Lindsey Halligan issued a statement saying, 'The White House had no involvement in removing any exhibit from the National Museum of African American History and Culture or any other Smithsonian institution. They did this on their own accord.' Additionally, the NMAAHC has also issued a statement on their website saying that 'recent claims that objects have been removed for reasons other than adherence to standard loan agreements or museum practices are false.' Source: The Washington Post / Getty I'd love to sit here and say, 'Well, that's that. This is a completely innocent, not at all suspect move by the museum.' Though when one considers that the former director of the NMAAHC left as a result of the Executive Order, and that both Chief Justice John Roberts and Vice President J.D Vance sit on the Smithsonian's Board of Regents, it doesn't entirely pass muster. Those who loaned the items to the NMAAHC also aren't entirely convinced that their return wasn't politically motivated. From NBC News: Liz Brazelton, the owner of a diary connected to the Oscar-winning film '12 Years a Slave,' isn't convinced either. She's the great-great-granddaughter of the lawyer who helped free Solomon Northup, a free Black man who was kidnapped and forced into slavery… …she gave one of her great-great-grandfather's diaries to the museum in September 2015 on a 10-year loan. The museum sent her a letter in March, before the end of the term, saying, 'We have decided to move ahead with the return a bit early to coincide with our internal gallery rotation schedule.' The letter was sent two weeks before Trump signed the executive order targeting exhibits at the Smithsonian, which raised a red flag for Brazelton. The removal of these items from the NMAAHC comes as the Trump administration has repeatedly made attacks on free speech, DEI initiatives, and Black History. In April, the National Park Service came under scrutiny after it removed the story of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad from several exhibits. They eventually restored the exhibits after national outcry, but the fact that they even had the audacity to try it should tell you everything about where this administration's priorities lie. As a result of the executive order and leadership changes at the NMAAHC, the museum was the site of the #HandsOffOurHistory rally earlier this month. The executive order, along with other moves by the Trump Administration, also spurred legislation from Democratic lawmakers to protect civil rights landmarks on the national register from being sold (because, of course, the Trump administration tried to do that). While it's clear the Trump administration won't stop coming for our history, the grassroots efforts by community leaders and select politicians have proven that they'll damn sure have to fight for it. SEE ALSO: Racial Bias: Audit Finds 36 In-Custody Deaths Should Be Labeled Homicides This Was Supposed To Be A Review Of 'Forever,' But It's Not SEE ALSO Concerns Grow Over Removed Exhibits At NMAAHC AKA 'The Blacksonian' was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
