A coalition of cattle industry organizations from Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas has warned that federal immigration enforcement operations are disrupting beef production and pushing prices higher for consumers.
The groups stated in a joint release that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in their states are causing a “massive chilling effect” on legal, documented skilled workers who are critical to maintaining the beef supply chain.
“The sudden disruptions can create immediate animal-welfare, operational, and economic consequences that extend well beyond an individual business,” the statement said. “These ICE operations are having a massive chilling effect on the legal, documented skilled workers that put beef on the table and keep the cattle supply chain moving.”
The organizations reported that such operations have already resulted in millions of dollars in lost revenue and added costs for the cattle industry. They noted that U.S. cattle production has declined significantly over recent years, contributing to historically high beef prices—up 37.8% from 2013 through 2026.
The groups also called on federal authorities to respect due process and conduct enforcement operations in a lawful and orderly manner.
Additionally, President Trump recently told radio host Glenn Beck that he would seek to deregulate meat processing rules to increase the beef supply, which Beck described as “a HUGE WIN” for independent American farmers.
