By Jim Utter
Director of Journalism
President Donald Trump this week admitted that the recent crackdown on illegal immigration across the United States by Immigration and Custom Enforcement agents has hurt businesses, including the car wash industry.
Just over the last 10 days, at least a half dozen car washes in the area of Los Angeles, California, have had workers detained during ICE raids, forcing several to close, at least temporarily.
In a social media post on Thursday, Trump conceded his administration’s “very aggressive policy on immigration” is hurting farms and hospitality businesses. He promised changes and a “common sense” approach.
He recognized that many of these businesses don’t want to lose valuable employees.
Several companies have already warned of potential disruption in business with further crackdowns, not only from illegal immigrants being detained but others fearing a return to work.
Among the companies which have expressed concern are meatpacking giant Smithfield and the delivery service Doordash. Other companies are concerned immigrants will remain home out of fear and reduce their involvement in the marketplace.
According to a story on MorningBrew.com, the U.S. workforce has already shrunk in the last couple of months, in part due to deportations and fewer immigrant arrivals.
Economists predict that diminished immigration might lead to worker shortages becoming the norm, dampening U.S. economic growth as companies struggle to find replacements.
