Cattle Groups Say ICE Activity Ripples Through Supply Chain

By Anna Pope

Three industry groups in states with some of the highest beef cattle-production in the nation, released a joint statement saying ICE activity is causing disruptions with costly and unnecessary impacts on an already pressured industry.

The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, Kansas Livestock Association and Texas Feeders Association issued the statement after ICE ramped up its presence in southwest Kansas communities’ home to big meat processing facilities. Local governing bodies say they were not notified in advance.

“We urge federal officials to conduct enforcement actions in a lawful, orderly, and transparent manner; respect due process; and communicate clearly with affected employers and communities,” southwest Kansas municipal leaders said in a joint statement.

Although the cattle industry groups said they respect the responsibility of federal authorities to enforce the law, the cattle industry and rural communities depend on a stable workforce. Sudden disruptions to that workforce can create immediate consequences for animal welfare, industry operations and the economy.

“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,” according to the statement. “Additionally, these types of disruptions will lead to higher beef prices for consumers.”