ST. PAUL — Minnesota farm, state and legislative leaders warned Wednesday that increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity across the state is disrupting agriculture, threatening rural economies and creating widespread fear among farmworkers and food industry employees.

Minnesota agricultural advocates say increased ICE activity statewide is creating fear among workers and business owners.

As U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents continue their surge into Minnesota, the impact is now stretching into rural parts of the state, reportedly putting a squeeze on farmers and meat processing plants.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said on Friday that she is suspending payments on all active and future awards from the USDA to Minnesota amid the long-running fraud scandal in which the White House has alleged a misuse of federal funds.

The Groundwater Protection Rule is designed to minimize nitrate contamination in vulnerable groundwater areas and protect drinking water.

The Minnesota Pork Producers Association expanded advocacy efforts through farm tours and legislative engagement in 2025.

US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that she was suspending federal benefit program funding to Minnesota and Minneapolis over allegations of widespread fraud in social service programs operating in the state.

Many state lawmakers are concerned that ICE actions could needlessly threaten Minnesota’s agricultural production. They held a press conference in St. Paul and included speakers from Minnesota Farmers Union.

As of this fall, about 66% of Minnesota’s agricultural production areas are now covered by the network, according to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

A U.S. judge ruled that federal officers in a Minneapolis-area immigration operation can't detain or tear-gas peaceful protesters who aren't obstructing authorities.