Unexpected backlash in deep-red Texas: Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement is scaring workers away and pushing businesses to the brink
Texas – Growing backlash has begun to take shape across Texas as critics respond to the impact of President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, particularly as enforcement efforts have intensified in major cities. Local leaders, advocacy groups, and some residents argue that the policies have placed increased pressure on communities. Some of President Donald Trump’s former supporters are now openly turning against him, pointing to the immigration policies they say have gone far beyond enforcement and into everyday life—bringing economic strain, fear, and political fallout with them.
However, what is now emerging is a wave of concern not only from activists or political opponents, but also from business owners in one of the country’s most conservative regions.
Businesses sound the alarm as labor shortages deepen
Across Texas, restaurant owners, farmers, and industry groups are increasingly warning that the current immigration crackdown is hitting their operations hard. A coalition made up of business leaders, restaurateurs, and lawmakers has formed to push back against the policies, arguing that the economic strain is becoming unsustainable.
In the restaurant industry, the impact has been especially sharp. According to data from the Texas Restaurant Association, about 50 percent of restaurants in the state were not profitable last year, a steep rise from 38 percent the year before. Many owners say the situation is being made worse by a shrinking workforce, as immigration enforcement creates fear among employees.
Regino Rojas, who owns the Revolver Taco Lounge, described the downturn in stark terms. “I think this, right now, is worse than the pandemic,” he said, comparing current conditions to the economic shutdown caused by COVID-19.
Texas relies heavily on immigrant labor, with estimates suggesting that nearly 10 percent of the state’s workforce is undocumented — more than double the national average. Business owners say the crackdown has created a chilling effect, with workers staying home out of fear, regardless of their legal status.
Adam Orman, who operates restaurants, explained how that fear is shaping daily operations. “Do I think that work permits would help? Yes,” he said. “But we also need to change the enforcement tactics, so that people aren’t afraid to go to work, people aren’t afraid to go spend money.”
A coalition pushes for change
In response to these pressures, business leaders and advocacy groups have launched a coalition called Seat the Table. The group is calling on Congress and the White House to create work permits for immigrants who have been living and working in the U.S. for years.
Importantly, the coalition has made clear that it is not asking for sweeping immigration reform or citizenship pathways. Instead, it is focused on stabilizing the workforce by providing legal protections for workers already contributing to key industries.
Kelsey Erickson Streufert of the Texas Restaurant Association emphasized how essential immigrant labor has become. “I think the vast majority of Americans recognize that there is a large group of undocumented immigrants who have been literally keeping food on our tables,” she said. “And if we remove those people, it is going to hurt everyone in terms of higher prices.”
The labor shortage is not limited to restaurants. The agriculture sector is also feeling the strain. Sam Lash, co-founder of a Texas-based food supply company, described the situation as unprecedented. “There’s been a really symbiotic relationship between Texas farmers, Texas restaurant owners and immigrant labor for many generations,” he said. “I’ve been doing this for 18 years, there has never been a time where it is more difficult to access consistent, reliable, skilled labor from immigrants.”
Reports suggest that the fear surrounding enforcement is affecting not just undocumented workers but also legal employees who worry about being caught up in raids or questioned by authorities. In some cases, businesses have taken unusual steps to protect their staff.
Administration response and ongoing divide
The Trump administration has defended its approach, arguing that strict enforcement is necessary to uphold immigration laws and create opportunities for American workers. A White House spokesperson stated, “There is no shortage of American minds and hands to grow our labor force, and President Trump’s agenda to create jobs for American workers represents this Administration’s commitment to capitalizing on that untapped potential while delivering on our mandate to enforce our immigration laws.”
At the same time, officials have acknowledged the tension between enforcement and economic needs. Trump himself noted last year, “Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace.”
While some adjustments have been made, such as expanding temporary farm worker visas, broader reforms have stalled in Washington. Proposed legislation aimed at easing labor shortages has failed to advance, leaving businesses in a difficult position.
As the debate continues, Texas has become a key example of the growing divide between political goals and economic realities. For many business owners, the concern is no longer abstract — it is immediate, visible, and increasingly hard to ignore.
