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

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

A federal judge blocked the USDA from cutting off some food assistance funding this week, but other Trump administration threats remain.

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.

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.