Texas AG Warns ICE Raids Raise Beef Prices
Texas Agriculture Commissioner warns ICE raids on packing plants in Kansas will raise beef prices and disrupt supply chains.
2 min read
On Friday’s broadcast of “NewsNation Now,” Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller (R) warned that recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Kansas are causing beef prices to rise and are not an effective way to lower them. Miller criticized the raids, stating that they are disrupting the supply chain and harming ranchers and consumers alike.
Impact on Beef Prices and Supply Chain
Miller explained that the recent ICE raids on three packing plants in Garden City, Liberal, and Dodge City, Kansas, have led to a backup in cattle supply, which is driving down prices for ranchers. He said that ranchers are receiving $3-500 less per head for their beef, which is then passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.
“This is not a good way to lower beef prices by shutting down our packing plants,” Miller said. “The only ones making any money are the big packers, buying cheaper meat and selling it for the same price. But this has caused ranchers to receive $3-500 a head less for their beef. And ICE, this week, raided three packing plants in Kansas, shut them down. So, now, our cattle are backing up, and we’re receiving lower prices. And this is driving up the price of beef for the consumer, because there’s less on the shelf. So, this is just a huge comedy of errors.”
Historical Context and Concerns
Miller also referenced past ICE actions, stating that when President Donald Trump first took office, he promised a crackdown on illegal immigration and arrests of criminals. However, Miller said that the initial actions led to the arrest of agriculture workers, which disrupted the dairy industry and caused problems for ranchers. “I raised Cain, a lot of other ag. commissioners did. They finally stopped that, and said, no, we’re not after those guys, we really want to go get the criminals, and those people aren’t criminals.”
Miller emphasized that the recent raids are having a ripple effect, with cattle backing up and causing lower prices for ranchers while simultaneously leading to higher prices for consumers. “Well, it’s been kind of quiet. Except, recently, ICE raided three packing plants in Garden City, Liberal, and Dodge City, Kansas. Well, that causes huge problems, because it’s a ripple effect. The cattle start backing up, we can’t sell them. So, the price goes down. But, on the other end, consumers can’t get beef. So, the grocery stores go up on beef prices when we’re trying to lower beef prices.”
Miller’s comments highlight the complex relationship between immigration enforcement, agricultural supply chains, and consumer prices. As the situation continues to unfold, the impact of these raids on the beef industry remains a key concern for ranchers and consumers alike.
Source: Breitbart
