Fresh Air: How Communities, Families & The Economy Are Impacted By ICE
Host: Tonya Mosley
Guest: Jacob Soboroff, NBC Political and National Correspondent
Release Date: July 2, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of Fresh Air, Tonya Mosley engages in a profound conversation with Jacob Soboroff, an NBC political and national correspondent, to explore the extensive impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations on communities, families, and the economy across the United States. Their discussion delves into the realities of ICE raids, personal stories of those affected, the functioning and conditions of detention centers, the economic repercussions on local businesses, and the broader societal implications of mass deportations.
Escalation of ICE Raids
Jacob Soboroff sets the stage by highlighting the surge in ICE activities under President Donald Trump's administration. He references recent raids in places like Laredo, Texas, and California, where construction workers, street vendors, and farm laborers are apprehended in large numbers.
"Across the country right now, federal immigration agents are stepping up arrests as part of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown up and down east and west coasts..."
(00:17)
Tonya Mosley expands on this by detailing how ICE's focus has shifted from targeting "the worst of the worst"—violent criminals and drug kingpins—to predominantly arresting working-class individuals engaged in everyday occupations.
"They're going after working class folks. And in Los Angeles, since the beginning of this operation, the number's approaching 2,000 people taken from the streets of the city..."
(03:21)
Personal Stories: The Barranco Family
A harrowing example provided is the case of Narciso Barranco, an undocumented landscaper arrested in Santa Ana, California. His son, Alejandro, a Marine Corps veteran, recounts the traumatic experience of witnessing his father's aggressive detainment.
"When you look at the video of how those agents treated your father, do you agree with what Homeland Security said, that that was a minimum use of force? I think it's the complete opposite. I think it's the maximum amount of force and I think unprofessional force."
(13:55)
Narciso’s detainment not only caused immediate fear and chaos but also led to prolonged uncertainty as his family struggled to locate him within the overcrowded detention system.
Conditions in Detention Centers
Tonya Mosley provides a firsthand account of the deplorable conditions within ICE detention centers, specifically Adelanto. She describes overcrowded facilities where detainees face inadequate living conditions, including minimal food, lack of hygiene, and incidents of self-harm.
"These are not places anybody would want to be. I saw, I mean, all kinds of trauma, but in particular, something that sticks out to me is a man curled up in a fetal position..."
(08:44)
The discussion emphasizes that detention centers are not designed for prolonged stays, leading to systemic backlogs and increased suffering for detainees.
Tactics and Public Perception
The conversation shifts to the tactical approaches employed by ICE, such as agents wearing masks and tactical gear during raids. Mosley suggests that these methods are intended to intimidate and obscure the identities of agents to prevent doxxing by protesters.
"What I hear is that they're worried about being doxxed... when I hear that, and then I also hear the administration and law enforcement officials say the protesters should reveal themselves..."
(17:28)
She criticizes the perceived double standards, noting that while ICE agents hide their identities, city ordinances increasingly require protesters to do the same.
Economic Impact on Communities
Mosley highlights the direct economic consequences of mass ICE raids on local communities. She cites examples like unharvested strawberries in agricultural fields and empty businesses in Los Angeles, underscoring how deportations disrupt essential economic activities.
"People are not showing up at work, and the list is so long that I couldn't name everything about all the different industries that are being affected by this."
(24:34)
Farmers and business owners express concerns over the loss of vital labor force, which threatens food production and local economies.
Government and Policy Responses
The episode explores the historical and current policy frameworks governing immigration enforcement. Mosley draws parallels between the current ICE operations and past deportation efforts, such as those under President Eisenhower in the 1950s.
"What's interesting about what Lee said there is that should he call it child abuse, should he call it torture?... I do think that ultimately, and I wonder if I or Errol Morris asked him this now, would he feel differently about describing it that way?"
(38:42)
She discusses the role of Congress in overseeing ICE operations and the challenges faced in implementing effective immigration policies that balance enforcement with humanitarian considerations.
Comparisons to Historical Atrocities
Tonya Mosley reflects on the severity of current ICE practices by comparing them to historical injustices like slavery and Japanese-American internment, questioning how such actions will be viewed in the future.
"Family separation will be one of the most shameful chapters in the history, certainly the modern history of our country will remember it with all of the ignoble chapters."
(38:42)
This comparison serves to underscore the moral and ethical dilemmas posed by mass deportations and aggressive immigration enforcement.
Conclusion: Resilience and Community Impact
Despite the bleak portrayal of ICE's impact, Mosley expresses a deep sense of pride and resilience within the affected communities. She emphasizes the importance of solidarity and acknowledges the critical role undocumented workers play in rebuilding and sustaining local economies.
"It makes me love our city more than ever. It really does. I'm so proud to be a native Angeleno. I love the people of this city more than ever. And resilience is a word that keeps coming to mind."
(46:20)
The episode concludes by highlighting the ongoing struggle of communities to protect their members and the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform that addresses both enforcement and humanitarian concerns.
Final Thoughts
Fresh Air offers a compelling and deeply personal examination of ICE's expanded role in immigration enforcement. Through the lens of personal narratives and on-the-ground reporting, Tonya Mosley and Jacob Soboroff illuminate the multifaceted consequences of mass deportations, urging listeners to consider the human and economic costs of such policies.
This summary captures the essence of the episode, focusing on the critical discussions and personal stories shared by the host and guest, while omitting advertisements and non-essential segments.