Latest news with #Yuma
Forbes
7 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Deportations: Who's Picking The Lettuce And Cutting Up Steaks?
YUMA, ARIZONA - JANUARY 10 : Migrant workers harvest lettuce in agriculture field, near Yuma, ... More Arizona. (Photo by Getty Images/Bob Riha, Jr.) U.S. Food Industry on the Brink of Labor Crisis: Deportations and Medicaid Work Rules Causing Operational Complexity. Higher Food Prices and Shortages On The Horizon. A sharp convergence of immigration enforcement and Medicaid reform is rattling America's food-processing sector. With plans underway to deport roughly 1 to 1.3 million undocumented workers across agriculture, meatpacking, dairy, and processing plants, businesses are warning of critical labor shortages. According to USDA data, 42% of U.S. farm laborers lack legal work authorization. In meatpacking, estimates suggest 30–50% of frontline workers are undocumented, totaling 160,000–270,000 individuals . Deporting these workforces could shutter operations, spike costs, and pressure margins across the food supply chain. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has floated an unconventional counterproposal: replace deported migrant labor with 'able‑bodied Medicaid recipients.' She noted on July 8 that 34 million adults are on Medicaid, implying it could serve as a domestic labor pool . But food business insiders and policy analysts are not only skeptical but consider such a thesis laughable. Further demonstrating the ignorance of policy makers and the effects of their actions on businesses. Real-world data underscores the disconnect: of the 34 million Medicaid recipients, only 5.6 million are unemployed, and fewer are fit for rural, physically demanding jobs—leading analysts to estimate 500,000–750,000 could realistically transition into ag roles. The math reveals a looming shortfall: Description: Undocument workers by agri-segment and gaps to place qualified workers back into sector ... More as well as "remaining gap" or "shortfall" (quantity of works still needed). Even the most optimistic recycling scenario leaves a half‑million plus deficit—with concentrated vulnerability in labor‑intensive fresh produce and red-meat sectors. Factory owners and farm leaders say U.S. workers won't easily fill the gap. Andrew Mickelsen, a seventh-generation Idaho potato farmer, told WBUR: 'We… offer $17 an hour… but… we rarely get local responses. The unemployment rate is basically zero.' Businesses are exploring alternatives: Automation, though costly and slow in deployment. Expansion of H‑2A visas, a guest‑worker program already encumbered by administrative hurdles and capacity limits could be a solution if more attention was paid to solving the processing complexity with applications. Business implications are acute. Expect higher labor costs, supply-chain bottlenecks, and increased margin pressure in consumer-facing food companies. Investors should monitor CapEx dynamics, especially in automation and workforce integration, as firms pivot to fill structural labor gaps. Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya, said the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement practices pose risks to the food supply chain – 'we need to be very realistic' Ulukaya said at the WSJ Global Food Forum in Chicago last month. 'We need immigration, and we need workers for our food system to work'. Absent swift policy pivot—whether expanding visa programs, easing deportations in essential sectors, or investing heavily in rural labor pipelines—the industry risks economic disruption at both regional and national levels. The combined impact of immigration enforcement and Medicaid policy shifts creates a high-risk labor environment for the U.S. food industry. For companies across the value chain—from agtech startups to multinational processors—the imperative is clear: reassess workforce strategies, re-evaluate risk exposure, and prepare for tighter labor markets. If policymakers don't resolve the growing disconnect between political rhetoric and labor market realities, the result may not just be higher wages—but higher prices, supply instability, and margin pressure industry-wide. The pain of on going deportations and aggressive immigration actions will ultimately be felt by consumers through shortages of basic daily foods and much higher food prices.
Fox News
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Establishment-backed Democrat wins high-profile congressional primary in Arizona
The daughter of late Democratic Rep. Raul Grijalva of Arizona has taken a big step toward succeeding her father in Congress. Former Pima County Supervisor Adelita Grijalva won the Democratic Party primary in Arizona's 7th Congressional District, according to The Associated Press. The younger Grijalva topped four other candidates in the heavily blue district, which stretches from Tucson to Yuma and includes almost the entire length of the state's southern border with Mexico. The 54-year-old Grijalva enjoyed the backing of some of the state's top Democrats, including Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, state Attorney General Kris Mayes and former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. Grijalva was also supported by two top progressive champions, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, who both backed Zohran Mamdani in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary. Deja Foxx, a 25-year-old social media influencer and progressive activist who was hoping to follow in Mamdani's footsteps by pulling off a stunning, come-from-behind victory in a high-profile Democratic Party congressional primary, came up short. Foxx, who went viral as a teenager for confronting then-Republican Sen. Jeff Flake over the issue of reproductive rights, enjoyed the support of gun-control crusader David Hogg, who recently stepped down from his position as a Democratic National Committee vice chair after upsetting party leaders with his efforts backing primary challenges against what he called "asleep at the wheel" older, longtime incumbents in safe, blue districts. Hogg, who campaigned with Foxx over the weekend across the district, predicted she would "make history in Southwest Arizona." And Hogg compared Foxx's surging poll numbers in the final days of the primary campaign to that of Mamdani, the 33-year-old Ugandan-born state lawmaker who topped former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and nine other candidates last month to win the Democratic nomination for mayor of New York City. Similar to the New York City mayoral primary, the contest in southern Arizona has been viewed by many political pundits as a barometer of where the Democratic Party is headed as it deals with longstanding divisions between its establishment and outsider and progressive and moderate wings, as well as generational divides. Former state Rep. Daniel Hernandez was also contending for the nomination. He's well known in Arizona for helping to save the life of former Democratic Rep. Gabby Giffords during a 2011 shooting in Tucson, when he was serving as an intern to the congresswoman. Indigenous activist and scholar Jose Malvido Jr. and former healthcare executive Patrick Harris Sr. were also running for the Democratic nomination in the majority-Hispanic district where Democrats outnumber Republicans by a nearly two-to-one margin. More than $2 million was dished out to run ads in the Democratic primary, with some of the money coming from outside groups. Adelita Grijalva will now be considered the frontrunner in the Sept. 23 special election to serve the final 15 months of the elder Grijalva's term. He died in March from complications related to cancer treatment.
Fox News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Border crossings plummet to historic lows; Trump's enforcement policies yield big results
U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported the lowest number of border crossings in recorded history in June. Nationwide, there were 25,228 CBP encounters, the lowest monthly number the agency has recorded, including a "historical low" of 8,024 apprehensions. Encounters include legal ports of entry, whereas apprehensions are arrests of those coming into the United States illegally. At the southern border alone, there were only 6,072 apprehensions in June, which is "15% lower than the previous March record." June also brought along the lowest number of apprehensions in a day on June 28 with just 136. "From shutting down illegal crossings to seizing fentanyl and enforcing billions in tariffs, CBP is delivering results on every front. Under this administration, we are protecting this country with relentless focus, and the numbers prove it." CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott said in a press release Wednesday. Like May, there were no parole releases, compared with 27,766 in 2024.. CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMMIGRATION COVERAGE On drug seizures, the department said there was a 3% uptick from last month in fentanyl seizures, with 742 pounds confiscated. Notably, there was a 102% increase in meth seizures from May, a 19% increase in heroin seizures and a 9% increase in cocaine seizures. According to the press release, CBP has also collected $108.9 billion in "all tariffs, taxes and fees," specifically noting the tariffs imposed by the president. Yuma Mayor Douglas Nicholls told Fox News Digital the change has been "peaceful" after a major strain on local resources, like the regional hospital, while crossings were soaring. Earlier Wednesday, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced there was an 830% increase in assaults on ICE agents from last year. This comes as both border and immigration policies have seen major shifts in recent months since the border crisis under the Biden administration. "This new data reflects the violence against our law enforcement in cities across the country in the last few weeks. Politicians across the country, regardless of political stripe, must condemn this," Noem posted to X. As for Border Patrol, a gunman was killed and a local police officer was injured in a shooting in McAllen, Texas. ICE also recently faced a riot at the Prarieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, where 12 individuals are facing charges, including some for attempted murder of federal officers. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP While the border is considered much quieter, protests and riots against federal immigration authorities amid mass deportation efforts have continued. Democrats in Congress recently introduced the VISIBLE Act to prevent agents from wearing face coverings in most instances and require visible identification. "When federal immigration agents show up and pull someone off the street in plainclothes with their face obscured and no visible identification, it only escalates tensions and spreads fear while shielding federal agents from basic accountability," Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., said in a statement July 8.
Fox News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
David Hogg-backed candidate eyes upset in Democratic congressional primary
Print Close By Paul Steinhauser Published July 15, 2025 A 25-year-old social media influencer and progressive activist is hoping to follow in Zohran Mamdani's footsteps by pulling off a stunning, come-from-behind victory in a high-profile Democratic Party congressional primary. Deja Foxx is the youngest of the five candidates running in Tuesday's primary in the race to fill the seat of the late Democratic Rep. Raul Grijalva of Arizona, who died in March from complications related to cancer treatment. The winners of the Democratic and Republican primaries will face off on Sept. 23 in a special election to serve the final 15 months of Grijalva's term in Arizona's 7th Congressional District, a heavily blue district that stretches from Tucson to Yuma and includes almost the entire length of the state's southern border with Mexico. REP. RAUL GRIJALVA OF ARIZONA DEAD AT AGE 77 "This moment calls for more than a politician. You deserve a fighter," Foxx said in a social media post. "This is more than a campaign. This is a movement. This is a fight for our future." Foxx, who went viral as a teenager for confronting then-Republican Sen. Jeff Flake over the issue of reproductive rights, enjoys the support of gun-control crusader David Hogg, who recently stepped down from his position as a Democratic National Committee vice chair after upsetting party leaders for his efforts backing primary challenges against what he called "asleep at the wheel" older, longtime incumbents in safe, blue districts. HEAD HERE FOR THE LATEST FOX NEWS REPORTING ON DAVID HOGG Hogg, who campaigned with Foxx this past weekend across the district, predicts she will "make history in Southwest Arizona." Additionally, he compared her surging poll numbers in the final days of the primary campaign to that of Mamdani, the 33-year-old Ugandan-born state lawmaker who topped former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and nine other candidates last month to win the Democratic nomination for mayor of New York City. Similar to the New York City mayoral primary, the contest in southern Arizona will be viewed by many political pundits as a barometer of where the Democratic Party is headed as the party deals with longstanding divisions between its establishment and outsider, and progressive and moderate wings. The frontrunner in the race appears to be 54-year-old former Pima County Supervisor Adelita Grijalva, who is the daughter of the late congressman. She enjoys the backing of some of the state's top Democrats, including Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, state Attorney General Kris Mayes and former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. Grijalva is also supported by two top progressive champions – Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York – who both backed Mamdani in the New York City mayoral primary. Former state Rep. Daniel Hernandez, indigenous activist and scholar Jose Malvido Jr. and former healthcare executive Patrick Harris Sr. are also running for the Democratic nomination in the majority-Hispanic district where Democrats outnumber Republicans by a nearly two-to-one margin. More than $2 million has been dished out to run ads in the Democratic primary, with some of the money coming from outside groups. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Contractor and small business owner Daniel Butierez, restaurant owner Jorge Rivas and general contractor and vehicle accessory business owner Jimmy Rodriguez are vying for the Republican congressional nomination in the district. Polls in the district close at 7 p.m. local time, which is 10 p.m. ET, and no results will be released until an hour after the polls close. Print Close URL
Globe and Mail
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Globe and Mail
Shane Krauser Directs Veritas Debate Academy Through Summer Bootcamps
Shane Krauser is the director of Veritas Debate Academy, an experienced trial attorney, and a nationally-renowned speaker. Veritas Debate Academy completed a round of Summer 2025 Leadership and Liberty Bootcamps. Shane Krauser, the director of the Academy, organized the intensive effort that included several dozen students throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. Some students traveled from as far as Yuma (AZ), Holbrook (AZ), and Lehi (UT) to participate. Taking on the role of an Arizona state senator, the students adopted a bill, lobbied for the bill, moved the bill through the 'committee,' appeared in front of a mock media, and argued on the senate floor to pass the bill. Over the course of the three days, students learned lessons on how to lead, communicate, and build relationships, and they became fantastic, passionate advocates through the process. Shane Krauser, a former adjunct professor of constitutional law, said, 'These students were nothing short of exceptional, and I am honored that so many parents have entrusted me with a part of their child's education. The lessons the young people learn here are designed to set them up for long-term success.' Veritas Debate Academy is headquartered in Gilbert, AZ, was founded in 2024, and focuses primarily on the homeschool community, teaching courses that revolve around leadership, the U.S. Constitution, the foundations of America, along with speech and debate. The three-day bootcamp is a featured course that is primarily held during the Summer. During this three-day journey, the students absorbed, learned, engaged and debated numerous ideas around the proper role of government and the principles of freedom. The level of impassioned debate and focused leadership was a high point of the bootcamps. Students debated 21 different issues ranging from gambling to the appropriate driving age, seatbelt mandates to the legalization of cannabis. Each of the issues provided a chance for the students to take a position and then debate the pros and cons. Cheryl Todd of Litchfield Park, AZ attended with her granddaughter and said, 'I can't recommend this experience enough. My granddaughter absolutely loved every minute of this experience! The topics covered sparked so many meaningful conversations around the family dinner table—and honestly, I learned just as much as she did! She walked away with a renewed passion and a real hunger to learn more, and she's already asked me when she can do it again. Thank you, Veritas Debate Academy and Shane Krauser, for pouring into the next generation of liberty-minded leaders—this is exactly what our families and our nation need! ' The popularity of Veritas Debate Academy continues to grow, not just across Arizona but throughout the nation. Shane Krauser, a serial entrepreneur who is bringing Brooker's Founding Flavors Ice Cream to Arizona in late 2025, noted, 'We have found a niche within the homeschool world, and homeschooling families have embraced us as much as we have embraced them. I am so hopeful for our future.' To learn more about Veritas Debate Academy and the courses offered, go to For media or general inquiries, contact Janelle Krauser at 480.570.3698 or email Contact@ Learn more about Shane Krauser at: Website: Social Media: Media Contact Company Name: Veritas Debate Academy Contact Person: Janelle Krauser Email: Send Email Phone: +1 480.570.3698 City: Gilbert State: Arizona Country: United States Website:
