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Fact check: Trump officials reverse guidance exempting farms, hotels from immigration raids

Checked on June 21, 2025

1. Summary of the results

The statement is confirmed as accurate by multiple reliable sources. Trump administration officials did reverse guidance that had exempted farms and hotels from immigration raids. The Department of Homeland Security instructed staff to continue conducting immigration raids at these locations [1]. The Trump administration lifted what was described as a "short-lived pause" on immigration arrests at farms, hotels, and restaurants, with ICE officials being informed to continue carrying out worksite enforcement operations at these locations [2].

Tom Homan, the White House border czar, publicly stated that the Trump administration would continue to conduct immigration raids at worksites, including farms and hotels, while prioritizing criminals [3]. This policy reversal occurred in mid-June 2025, representing a significant shift in enforcement strategy.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original statement lacks several crucial pieces of context that reveal the contradictory nature of the Trump administration's messaging on this issue:

  • Conflicting promises: Trump had previously promised changes to protect migrants in the farming, hotel, and leisure industries, but his administration later reversed course and resumed raids, highlighting conflicting messages from the administration [4].
  • Timeline of policy changes: The guidance exemption was described as "short-lived," suggesting it was only temporarily in place before being reversed [2].
  • Prioritization claims: While raids resumed, administration officials claimed they would prioritize criminals, though this doesn't change the fact that all workers at these locations are now subject to enforcement [3].

Industries that benefit from this policy reversal include competitors who employ documented workers, as they would gain competitive advantages over businesses that previously relied on undocumented labor. Law enforcement agencies also benefit from expanded enforcement authority and potentially increased funding.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement appears factually accurate and does not contain apparent misinformation. However, it lacks important context about:

  • The brief duration of the exemption policy before reversal
  • The contradictory messaging from the Trump administration regarding protection of workers in these industries
  • The timing and reasoning behind both the initial exemption and subsequent reversal

The statement presents the facts neutrally without editorial commentary, though readers might benefit from understanding that this represents a policy flip-flop rather than a consistent enforcement strategy [4]. The absence of this context could lead readers to misunderstand the administration's overall approach to immigration enforcement in these sectors.

Want to dive deeper?
What were the key points of the Obama-era guidance on immigration raids at farms and hotels?
How did Trump officials justify reversing the guidance on immigration enforcement at these locations?
What impact did the reversal have on farm and hotel workers who are undocumented immigrants?
Were there any notable lawsuits or challenges to the Trump administration's reversal of the guidance?
How did the reversal affect the overall number of immigration raids and deportations during the Trump administration?