Disruptions in the Cattle Industry Due to Immigration Enforcement

Cattle industry groups in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas warn that immigration enforcement operations are interrupting the beef supply chain. These operations are leading to shipment delays of thousands of cattle and incurring millions in losses and additional costs. This warning comes despite the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) statement to Newsweek that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is not conducting worksite operations in Kansas.

The Kansas Livestock Association, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, and Texas Cattle Feeders Association jointly stated they are monitoring ICE activity impacting agricultural communities. They highlighted how enforcement activities disrupt the livestock industry. Thousands of fed cattle that were set for shipment to processors have been delayed, resulting in significant revenue loss and higher costs.

Workforce disruptions have been reported at feedyards, dairies, processors, feed and grain companies, transportation hubs, and community services. According to the associations, these ICE operations are drastically affecting legal, documented workers, essential for the cattle supply chain. They anticipate that these disruptions will increase beef prices for consumers.

In August, the average U.S. price for 100 percent ground beef was $6.92 per pound, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. President Donald Trump faces mounting pressure over his administration’s beef policies amid rising prices. His approval rating has declined in several key beef-producing states. The administration now focuses on major retailers, investigating beef pricing at eight major retailers, including Walmart.

The cattle groups acknowledge federal duties to enforce immigration laws but argue that sudden workforce disruptions can have broad consequences, affecting animal welfare, operations, and the economy beyond those directly involved.

The Department of Homeland Security stated ICE is not conducting worksite operations in Kansas. A DHS spokesperson explained that ICE targets serious criminals, including those with dangerous convictions. The spokesperson mentioned several ICE arrests of individuals with convictions for serious crimes to illustrate point.

Cattle industry groups report that the supply chain disruption coincides with existing pressures. They warn of ongoing effects after enforcement operations conclude. They urge federal officials to carry out immigration enforcement lawfully, in an orderly manner and to communicate with affected employers and communities.

On September 24, U.S. cattle slaughter was approximately 90,000 head, a decrease from 107,000 the previous week, as per the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Reuters reported that immigration enforcement caused meatpacking workers to stay away from plants in Kansas, exacerbating cattle shipment delays.

Newsweek’s analysis of Civiqs polling reveals a drop in President Trump’s approval rating since his second term across 10 major beef-producing states. In Kansas, his net approval rating decreased significantly from January 2025 to August 2026. Texas and Oklahoma experienced similar trends. Meanwhile, his announcement to allow up to 300,000 metric tons of tariff-free beef for 90 days had little immediate impact on these ratings.