Key Takeaways
• On April 25, 2025, ICE detained 14 immigrant farmworkers near Kent, NY, targeting union organizers.
• Detained workers’ locations vary; some held in Batavia and Niagara County jails, others still unaccounted for.
• ICE’s raid connects to NY’s 2019 farm labor law, sparking legal and community protests.
On April 25, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out a targeted operation in western New York, detaining 14 immigrant workers from Mexico and Guatemala. These workers were employed at Lynn-Ette & Sons Farms near Kent, New York, and many were actively involved in unionization efforts protected under New York’s 2019 farm labor law. The raid has sparked widespread concern among labor advocates, immigrant communities, and legal experts, raising questions about the intersection of immigration enforcement and labor rights.
What Happened: The ICE Raid in Western New York
The ICE raid took place at around 9:30 a.m. on a Thursday morning. Federal agents, driving unmarked vehicles, stopped a transport bus carrying farmworkers to their jobs in Albion, about 35 miles west of Rochester, New York. Witnesses reported that the agents did not wear visible ICE insignia, making it difficult for workers to identify them as law enforcement. The agents carried a pre-compiled list of names, calling out specific individuals who were then taken into custody and transported in unmarked vans.
This operation was not a random sweep. The agents appeared to have detailed information about the workers they were seeking. According to Elizabeth Strater, director of strategic campaigns for the United Farm Workers (UFW), “the appearance of targeting publicly pro-union worker leaders” was alarming. Several of those detained had been active in organizing efforts, including at least one worker who had publicly supported joining the UFW.
Who Was Detained and Where Are They Now?
As of May 14, 2025, the status of the 14 detained immigrant workers remained uncertain. Here’s what is known:
- One man was confirmed to be held at the Batavia Detention Center.
- Two women were in custody at the Niagara County Jail in Lockport.
- Two additional men were reportedly in Batavia but had not been logged into the system or spoken with legal counsel.
- The remaining nine detainees were still unaccounted for at the time of reporting.
The United Farm Workers union has been working to secure legal representation for the detained workers. On May 3, 2025, UFW members and supporters rallied outside the federal ICE detention facility in Batavia, Genesee County, demanding the release of the workers and drawing attention to their situation.
Why This Raid Matters: The Link to Labor Rights
This ICE operation is directly connected to a larger legal battle over farmworker unionization rights in New York. Lynn-Ette & Sons Farms is one of five agricultural businesses, along with a state growers’ association, that have been trying to overturn or weaken New York’s 2019 farm labor law. This law is significant because it gives all farmworkers—both seasonal and permanent—the right to seek union representation and organize for better working conditions.
The farm itself has faced scrutiny before. In 2023, owner Darren Roberts was the subject of a labor complaint involving alleged interference with a union organizer. The recent ICE raid, targeting workers involved in union activities, has raised fears that immigration enforcement is being used to intimidate or punish those exercising their legal rights.
ICE Enforcement Actions: A Broader Pattern
This raid is not an isolated incident. Since January 2025, ICE has stepped up workplace enforcement actions across the United States 🇺🇸. Some notable examples include:
- January 23, 2025: ICE agents raided a business in Newark, New Jersey, without a warrant.
- February 2, 2025: Seven undocumented immigrants were arrested during a car wash raid in Philadelphia.
- February 12, 2025: ICE arrested bakery owners in South Texas accused of hiring undocumented workers.
- March 24-28, 2025: A major operation in western, central, and northern New York led to the arrest of 133 individuals, including 20 with criminal convictions or charges.
- May 8, 2025: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) served more than 100 businesses in the Washington, D.C. area with immigration notices regarding workplace enforcement operations.
These actions suggest a broader shift toward more aggressive immigration enforcement, especially in workplaces that employ immigrant workers. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, such enforcement can have far-reaching effects on both workers and employers, especially in industries that rely heavily on immigrant labor.
Community Response: Fear and Protest
The ICE raid in New York has caused fear and anxiety among immigrant workers and their families. Elizabeth Strater from UFW described how families are changing their daily routines to avoid the risk of both parents being detained at the same time. “People are scared, and workers are on high alert,” she said.
On May 3, 2025, the United Farm Workers organized a rally outside the ICE detention facility in Batavia. Gabriella Szpunt, the New York organizing coordinator for UFW, explained that the rally was meant to put pressure on ICE and show support for the detained workers. “This rally was put together as a means to put pressure on ICE, let them know that we’re here to stand with workers, that the community wants them released as well,” she said.
Advocacy groups argue that the timing and focus of the raid suggest possible retaliation against workers who are exercising their legally protected labor rights. Protests and calls for the release of the detained workers have continued, with many community members and labor advocates demanding answers and accountability.
Legal Questions: Immigration Enforcement vs. Labor Rights
The targeted nature of this ICE raid raises important legal questions about how immigration enforcement interacts with labor rights. Under New York’s 2019 farm labor law, farmworkers have the right to organize and seek union representation. If immigration enforcement is used to target those who are exercising these rights, it could undermine the protections the law was meant to provide.
A recent case involving Mahmoud Khalil has also brought attention to ICE’s tactics. In that case, surveillance footage contradicted ICE’s claims about the circumstances of Khalil’s arrest, leading to legal challenges over the validity of the detention. Such cases highlight the need for transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement actions.
For employers, it’s important to understand the difference between administrative and judicial warrants. Most ICE workplace visits are conducted with civil administrative warrants, not judicial criminal warrants. Employers should know their rights and responsibilities if ICE agents arrive at their workplace. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security provides official guidance on worksite enforcement, which can help both employers and workers understand what to expect.
Impact on Immigrant Workers and Labor Organizing
The ICE raid at Lynn-Ette & Sons Farms highlights the complex challenges faced by immigrant workers who try to exercise their labor rights. The apparent targeting of union organizers could discourage other workers from speaking out or joining unions, out of fear that they might also be detained or deported.
This situation could have a chilling effect on labor organizing efforts among immigrant communities, especially in industries like agriculture where many workers are immigrants. If workers feel unsafe or fear retaliation, they may be less likely to report unsafe conditions, wage theft, or other workplace abuses.
The outcome of this case could set important precedents for how immigration enforcement and labor rights protections interact, especially in states like New York that have passed laws to protect farmworkers’ right to organize.
What This Means for Employers
Employers in New York and across the United States 🇺🇸 should pay close attention to this case. It underscores the importance of understanding both immigration and labor laws, especially when it comes to the rights of immigrant workers. Employers who interfere with union organizing or retaliate against workers for exercising their rights could face legal challenges and public scrutiny.
Legal experts recommend that employers:
- Know the difference between administrative and judicial warrants: ICE usually uses administrative warrants for workplace visits, which do not allow agents to enter private areas without permission.
- Have a plan in place: Employers should train staff on how to respond if ICE agents arrive at the workplace.
- Respect workers’ rights: Interfering with union organizing or retaliating against workers can lead to legal problems and damage to the business’s reputation.
Employers can find more information about their rights and responsibilities during ICE workplace enforcement actions on the ICE Worksite Enforcement page.
What Immigrant Workers Should Know
For immigrant workers, especially those involved in labor organizing, it’s important to know your rights:
- You have the right to remain silent: You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status.
- You have the right to speak to a lawyer: If you are detained, ask to speak to a lawyer before answering any questions.
- You do not have to sign anything: Do not sign any documents without first speaking to a lawyer.
- You have the right to organize: In New York, farmworkers have the legal right to join a union and seek better working conditions.
Workers who are concerned about ICE enforcement can seek help from legal aid organizations, unions, and advocacy groups. The United Farm Workers and other groups are working to provide legal support and information to those affected.
The Bigger Picture: Immigration Policy and Labor Rights
The ICE raid in New York is part of a larger debate about immigration policy and labor rights in the United States 🇺🇸. As reported by VisaVerge.com, increased enforcement actions can create fear and uncertainty among immigrant communities, making it harder for workers to stand up for their rights.
At the same time, states like New York have passed laws to protect farmworkers and give them a voice in the workplace. The clash between federal immigration enforcement and state labor protections is likely to continue, with important consequences for workers, employers, and communities.
What Happens Next?
The fate of the 14 detained immigrant workers remains uncertain. Legal challenges are likely, especially if there is evidence that the raid targeted workers for their union activities. Advocacy groups will continue to push for their release and for stronger protections for immigrant workers.
The outcome of this case could influence future immigration enforcement actions and shape the rights of immigrant workers in New York and beyond. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of knowing your rights and seeking legal help if you are affected by ICE enforcement.
Practical Steps for Readers
- If you are an employer: Review your policies and train your staff on how to respond to ICE visits. Make sure you understand the difference between administrative and judicial warrants.
- If you are an immigrant worker: Know your rights, seek legal help if needed, and connect with advocacy groups for support.
- If you are part of a community organization: Stay informed about enforcement actions and provide resources to those affected.
For more information about your rights during ICE enforcement actions, visit the official ICE Worksite Enforcement page.
Conclusion
The ICE raid in western New York has brought national attention to the challenges faced by immigrant workers, especially those involved in labor organizing. The case raises important questions about the balance between immigration enforcement and labor rights, and its outcome could have lasting effects on workers, employers, and communities across the United States 🇺🇸. Staying informed, knowing your rights, and seeking legal support are key steps for anyone affected by these issues.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency enforcing immigration laws and conducting raids.
Unionization → Process where workers organize into unions to collectively negotiate for better working conditions and rights.
Farm labor law → New York’s 2019 legislation granting farmworkers the right to organize and seek union representation.
Administrative warrant → A civil warrant allowing ICE access to workplaces without criminal judicial oversight during investigations.
Detention center → Facility where immigrants are held after being detained pending legal or immigration proceedings.
This Article in a Nutshell
ICE’s April 2025 raid in New York targeted 14 farmworkers supporting union rights under a 2019 state law, sparking protests and raising concerns over immigration enforcement impacting labor organizing.
— By VisaVerge.com
