Fear of immigration enforcement has taken root in Washington state’s orchard communities, contributing to a significant shortage of farm labour at a critical time in the harvest season.

Growers in key fruit-producing regions, including the Wenatchee Valley and Central Washington, report that many workers who traditionally travel for seasonal picking are now staying away amid rumours and concerns about possible Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity.

Some farms have seen their workforce shrink dramatically, causing ripe fruit to go unpicked or risk overripening on the trees as fears intensify.

The anxiety among farmworkers – many of whom are foreign-born and some undocumented – has been fuelled by mixed messaging about immigration raids and enforcement priorities, leaving families uncertain about their safety if they leave home for work.

Although there have been no widely confirmed enforcement actions directly in Washington orchards, the perception of escalating federal immigration measures has been enough to deter workers.

Agricultural supervisors note that social media posts and unverified rumours about checkpoints and raids have amplified the fear, prompting some migrant workers to avoid travel to the state entirely.

Growers warn that an acute labour shortfall at the height of the cherry, apple and other fruit seasons could inflict lasting damage on Washington’s multi-billion-dollar agricultural economy and disrupt supply chains that stretch beyond regional borders.

The situation highlights broader challenges facing the farm sector, where reliance on migrant labour intersects with national immigration policy, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty that both workers and employers find difficult to navigate.

Calls for reforming seasonal worker programmes and clearer guidance from federal authorities are growing as stakeholders seek stable labour solutions and reassurance during a pivotal harvest period.