In Vermont, nearly two-thirds of New England’s milk production is at risk following a significant immigration raid on a dairy farm. The raid has instilled fear across the Northeast agriculture sector, as Brett Stokes, a lawyer for the workers, noted that “these strong-arm tactics… play a role in stoking fear in the community.” The dairy industry, which relies heavily on immigrant labor, has seen its economic impact soar to $5.4bn, with over 90% of surveyed farms employing migrant workers. Advocates warn that without these workers, the industry could collapse.
