Deportations Could Upend This Parachute Factory

The Journal | June 5, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Journal, co-produced by Spotify and The Wall Street Journal, hosts Ryan Knutson and Jessica Mendoza delve into the intricate interplay between immigration policies and national security through the lens of a small parachute manufacturing factory in Asheville, North Carolina. Titled "Deportations Could Upend This Parachute Factory," the episode explores how recent Supreme Court decisions threaten the operations of Mills Manufacturing—a critical supplier of military parachutes—and the livelihoods of its diverse workforce.

Mills Manufacturing: A Pillar of Military Safety

Mills Manufacturing, led by CEO John Oswald, has been a cornerstone in the production of military parachutes since World War II. With only two companies in the U.S. qualified to produce the MC6 and T11 parachutes, Mills plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of U.S. soldiers during training missions and combat operations.

Andi Minoff [00:22]: "Mills isn't just any factory. They make crucial equipment for the US Military, specifically parachutes."

Under Oswald's leadership for over 27 years, the factory has maintained impeccable standards, where "a single skipped stitch among thousands is considered a major defect" ([01:22] Minoff). This meticulous attention to detail underscores the factory's mission: "to bring troops safely to the ground 100% of the time."

A Diverse Workforce: The Heart of Mills Manufacturing

The strength of Mills Manufacturing lies in its diverse workforce. Approximately one-third of its 155 employees are U.S.-born, while the remaining two-thirds are immigrants, many of whom hold humanitarian parole status. This program allows individuals fleeing persecution or unstable conditions—such as those from Ukraine, Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua—to live and work in the U.S. temporarily.

William Gonzalez [06:45]: "It's a meaningful portion of Mills workforce. These people all work together and one step is important and one skill is important."

The factory thrives on this diversity, with multilingual signage reflecting the varied backgrounds of its employees, including languages like English, Spanish, Moldovan, Russian, Ukrainian, and Romanian. Employees often participate in English classes and communal meals, fostering a cohesive and supportive work environment.

The Supreme Court Ruling: A Dire Threat

The stability Mills Manufacturing enjoys is now under severe threat following a pivotal Supreme Court ruling. The court has allowed the Trump administration to "temporarily end humanitarian parole protections for 500,000 immigrants" ([10:54] Minoff), affecting workers from Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. This decision revokes their legal status and work permits, plunging them into uncertainty and fear of deportation.

William Gonzalez [10:10]: "My administration has launched the most sweeping border and immigration crackdown in American history."

For Mills, this ruling is particularly devastating. Eleven employees at the factory are directly impacted, representing a significant portion of the workforce essential for maintaining production levels. The complex, multi-step process of manufacturing military parachutes means that losing even one skilled worker could disrupt the entire production line.

John Oswald [12:28]: "We would then have to go and prioritize and work with the government to say, what’s your priority? What do you need us to focus on? Because we can’t, we can’t do everything."

Oswald emphasizes the long-term implications, stating that recovering from such a loss would take years, not merely months.

John Oswald [13:00]: "Oh, I don't think I could recover in a year. It would be difficult to understand what that would do to the labor market because again, we're looking for very, for people that want to come in and work and sell and work in this environment, not everybody does."

Personal Stories: William Gonzalez’s Struggle

One poignant narrative is that of William Gonzalez, a 33-year-old immigrant from Nicaragua. Originally working at a coffee bean processor in his home country, Gonzalez joined Mills last year through a referral from his cousin. Despite having no prior sewing experience, his dedication and quick learning enabled him to contribute significantly to the production of parachute components.

William Gonzalez [09:16]: "He had five relatives in total that work here."

However, the recent Supreme Court decision has placed his future—and that of his colleagues—in jeopardy. Gonzalez has applied for asylum to solidify his legal status, hoping to continue his work and avoid returning to a country where he fears political persecution and violence.

William Gonzalez [15:21]: "So pretty much the biggest fear is to go back. Because whenever they go back, it sounds like they investigate them whenever they get there. And if they participate in anything that it was pretty much against the government, they may ended up in jail or they don't know what else they do."

Broader Implications: The National Impact

The ramifications of the Supreme Court's decision extend beyond Mills Manufacturing. Numerous companies, both large and small, that rely on workers with humanitarian parole are now facing similar crises. Employers like Amazon, GE, Marriott, Eli's Cheesecake, and Goodwin Living are all on tenterhooks as they navigate the uncertainty surrounding their workforce.

William Gonzalez [13:54]: "Lots and lots and lots. You have big companies that employ people through these kinds of programs. You have small employers that employ people through these kinds of programs. They are scattered all across the country."

This widespread impact highlights the critical role that immigrant workers play in essential industries, from manufacturing and technology to hospitality and services. The potential disruption threatens not only individual businesses but also national security, given the importance of products like military parachutes.

Conclusion: The Looming Crisis

As Mills Manufacturing grapples with the impending loss of its immigrant workforce, the broader narrative underscores a national policy crisis. The factory's struggle is a microcosm of the challenges faced by employers and workers alike in the wake of stringent immigration policies. The safety of U.S. troops and the stability of critical supply chains hang in the balance as "The Journal" sheds light on this urgent issue.

Andi Minoff [15:44]: "But last week, Gonzalez's future at Mills got more complicated. That's after the break."

In the face of these developments, Mills remains committed to its mission of producing reliable parachutes, but the path forward remains fraught with uncertainty.

Listen to the full episode on Spotify or your preferred podcast platform to explore the human stories behind national policies and their far-reaching consequences.