Meatpacking industry groups in Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma have raised concerns about recent immigration enforcement activities, saying they are causing disruptions to their operations and could lead to higher beef prices. The Texas Cattle Feeders Association, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, and Kansas Livestock Association reported that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations have led to delays in cattle shipments and significant financial losses. These disruptions have affected a range of businesses, including feedlots, dairy processors, and transportation hubs, which are vital to the meatpacking supply chain. Scarlett Mabinger, vice president of communications for the Kansas Livestock Association, said that members have experienced increased employee absences after federal immigration officers arrived in southwest Kansas. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the presence of officers but clarified that they were not conducting worksite raids. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that ICE was focusing on individuals with criminal histories, though no specific numbers of arrests were given. Several meatpacking plants in Dodge City, Liberal, and Garden City, Kansas, had to temporarily close or send cattle back to feedlots, according to Mabinger. This has raised concerns about both the health of the animals and the financial stability of the businesses involved. Community organizer Amy Soberanes noted that cleaning crews stopped showing up at some locations, leading to plant closures and affecting local families, with some parents being arrested. The areas affected have large Hispanic populations, many of whom are recent immigrants from Cuba and Haiti. These communities largely supported Donald Trump in the last election. Republican politicians, including Senators Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran, have expressed concerns and called for better coordination between federal and local authorities. Moran stated that Secretary Mullin assured him that arrests were limited to individuals with criminal charges. Recent data shows that more than half of those arrested in July had not been convicted of any crimes and were not facing criminal charges, with less than a quarter having prior convictions. The Kansas Livestock Association is urging more focused enforcement and greater transparency from federal officials. Beef prices have reached record highs, partly due to the smallest national herd in 75 years. The Trump administration previously tried to lower prices by allowing beef imports without high tariffs and by reopening the border to cattle from Mexico. Mabinger warned that continued disruptions could lead to even higher prices if beef processing cannot keep up with consumer demand.