Mississippi’s Poultry Industry and the Impact of ICE Raids on Immigrant Labor

• Mississippi's poultry industry relies heavily on immigrant labor

• ICE Raids and deportation of workers could cause mass labor shortages and production decline

Mississippi’s poultry industry stands as a cornerstone of the state’s economy, contributing billions of dollars annually and employing tens of thousands of workers. This sector, however, depends heavily on immigrant labor—a reality underscored by the workforce composition in many of the state’s major poultry processing plants.

A view of Koch Foods in downtown Morton, Miss. PC: Andrea Morales NPR

While this labor pool has been essential to the industry’s success, it has also become a focal point for immigration enforcement, as highlighted by the 2019 ICE raids that targeted poultry plants in Mississippi. These raids brought deportations, disruptions, and a ripple effect across the industry and local communities.

The Role of Immigrant Labor in Mississippi’s Poultry Industry

Mississippi’s poultry processing plants are known for demanding, low-wage jobs that often involve grueling conditions. Immigrant workers, many of whom lack legal documentation, make up a significant portion of this workforce. Their willingness to take on these challenging roles ensures the industry operates at full capacity, meeting the high demand for poultry products in the U.S. and abroad.

The Precedent of the 2019 ICE Raids

The 2019 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Mississippi targeted several poultry plants, resulting in the arrests of nearly 700 undocumented workers, most of whom didn't have a record. These raids were some of the largest in U.S. history, creating chaos not only for the affected families but also for the plants themselves.

After the raids, some plants faced labor shortages, forcing them to scale back production temporarily. The disruptions also highlighted the dependence of these businesses on immigrant labor, which was difficult to replace in a tight labor market. Moreover, local economies that rely on the purchasing power of immigrant communities saw an immediate decline in economic activity, affecting everything from housing to retail sales.

ICE Raids Could Cause Massive Labor Shortages in American Factories

If workplace raids were to happen again, the consequences could be severe for Mississippi’s poultry industry. Plants already struggling to maintain a stable workforce may face production slowdowns or shutdowns. Given the current tight labor market, finding replacements for experienced workers may be challenging. This could lead to increased costs for the industry, reduced output, and potentially higher prices for consumers.