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October 20, 2025politicalimmigration enforcementagricultural laborfood productionpolitical

California farms operate at 30% capacity, $800 million in fruit and vegetables unharvested at peak season

California farms operate at 30% capacity and an estimated $800 million in fruit and vegetables remain unharvested at peak season due to labor shortages caused by ICE raids. Farmers report up to 70% of field crews disappearing as workers stay home in fear of detention, showing the severe impact of immigration enforcement on domestic food production.