Impact of Immigration Enforcement on Beef Supply Chain in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas

Cattle industry groups have raised concerns about immigration enforcement operations across Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. These operations are said to disrupt the beef supply chain, causing delays in cattle shipments and generating significant financial losses. The Kansas Livestock Association, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, and Texas Cattle Feeders Association released a joint statement on September 24, indicating they are ‘closely monitoring’ ICE activities affecting these states. Despite the Department of Homeland Security stating ICE is not conducting worksite operations in Kansas, the groups report disruptions in workforce affecting feedyards, dairies, processors, and other related sectors.

According to these associations, thousands of fed cattle scheduled for shipment have been delayed, leading to ‘millions of dollars in lost revenue and additional costs.’ Workforce disruptions are further impacting feed and grain companies, transportation hubs, and community services. They emphasize the ‘massive chilling effect’ on legal and documented skilled workers, warning of potential higher beef prices for consumers.

The average price of 100 percent ground beef in the U.S. in August was $6.92 per pound, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Cattle industry groups acknowledge the federal government’s duty to enforce immigration laws. However, they express concern that sudden workforce disruptions could negatively impact animal welfare, operations, and economic conditions beyond directly affected businesses.

DHS Points To Its Arrests
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson countered claims about ICE operations in Kansas, stating, ‘ICE is not conducting worksite operations in Kansas.’ They emphasized recent arrests targeting criminals like murderers and rapists, mentioning specific cases involving heinous crimes.

The spokesperson highlighted several arrests in Kansas, including Flora Elvira De La Cruz Bustillos in Liberal, convicted for child cruelty and larceny, and Ky Sayapheth in Hutchinson, with a history of homicide and assault charges. Other arrests include cases of kidnapping and sexual assault.

Wider Impacts
Industry groups argue that the current disruptions add to already existing pressures on the cattle and beef supply chain. They urge federal officials to conduct enforcement in a ‘lawful, orderly, and transparent manner,’ prioritizing due process and clear communication with affected employers and communities.

According to U.S. Department of Agriculture data, estimated U.S. cattle slaughter on September 24 was approximately 90,000 head, reflecting a decrease from 107,000 a week earlier. Stakeholders attribute this decline partly to workforce shortages at meatpacking plants in Dodge City and Liberal, Kansas, due to immigration enforcement.

A Newsweek analysis of Civiqs polling found a drop in President Donald Trump’s net approval ratings in the top beef-producing states since his second term due to his administration’s beef policies and high beef prices. This includes Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma. Trump’s August 21 decision to allow tariff-free imports of up to 300,000 metric tons of beef for 90 days had little immediate impact on approval ratings.