(Source: MIRS.news, Published 01/27/2025) Some Michigan industries could feel an even larger workforce shortage if President Donald Trump follows through on pushing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials to arrest and deport 1,200 to 1,500 undocumented immigrants a day. 

Michigan agriculture relies heavily on migrant workers and Michigan Farm Bureau National Legislative Counsel John Kran said many farmers were already on the "brink of collapse" or have already gone under because of the current labor shortage. 

"Nearly everyone agrees that our system of immigration needs to be fixed, but we must ensure vital systems, like farming, processing, distributing and food service, are not harmed by unintended consequences," Kran said. 

He said the only option for labor available to farmers was the H-2A guest worker program, but that itself had reached a cost outside of most farmers' range. The Department of Agriculture lays out the costs, with housing costs required to be between $9,000 to $13,000 per worker.  

"Our farmers have been asking for help from Congress for years to modernize this program, and we need both sides of the aisle to work together on long-term legislative solutions," Kran said. 

Speaking on CBS Mornings, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was asked if Michigan was planning to assist President Donald Trump in deporting undocumented immigrants. 

"We do have a problem at our southern border and (in) Michigan, I've sent my National Guard to help with surveillance under both a Biden administration and a Trump administration, but we also need to treat people with dignity and follow the law," she said during the live in-studio interview. 

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) spokesperson Lynsey Mukomel said the department was currently reviewing the president's executive order. 

Overnight spending by visitors to the state is at $23 billion in 2023, according to a Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) tourism report.  

Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association President Justin Winslow said the association was monitoring the immigration enforcement situation and preparing their members for whatever may arise. 

Many high-traffic tourist spots in northern Michigan also rely on the H-2A guest worker program for staff during the summer months. 

"We are collaborating with our partners at the National Restaurant Association and American Hotel & Lodging Association to ensure that any new enforcement efforts do not disrupt temporary visas that many of our northern Michigan operators rely on during Michigan's peak tourism seasons," Winslow said.