ICE Raids Cost Kansas Ranchers Millions as Ag Republicans Face Midterm Backlash

2 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Oct 26

Southwestern Kansas ranchers say October ICE raids have cost them millions, while Dodge City officials report workers staying home from meat plants and children missing school out of fear.
That disruption is turning immigration enforcement into a political liability for farm-state Republicans, with vulnerable incumbents such as Rep. David Valadao and Sen. Roger Marshall pressed between Trump and agricultural communities.
In California's 22nd District — a Cook Political Report toss-up — Democrat Randy Villegas says raids are scaring farmworkers away from fields, while farmworker advocates describe parents splitting jobs so one can remain home if the other is detained.
Republican lawmakers have offered little public reassurance: local officials said Kansas senators could not promise raids would not return, and Valadao's statement that DHS was targeting people with warrants drew backlash from farmworker groups.
The fight adds to an already difficult midterm climate for GOP candidates in rural areas, where industry leaders say some producers may switch votes or stay home rather than back Republicans again.