Iowa meatpacking plant revokes visas for 200 workers
Share and Follow


() JBS Foods told 200 workers at its Ottumwa, Iowa, plant that their visas are being revoked and they must leave the U.S., according to the town’s mayor.

The employees are from Haiti, Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua. Those countries were under a program that offered temporary legal status for those fleeing violence during the Biden administration.

In May, the Supreme Court allowed President Donald Trump to revoke the temporary legal status of more than 500,000 workers from those countries.

It is not clear if other groups of workers may also have their visas revoked.

Mayor Rick Johnson said he believed JBS was pursuing avenues to keep the workers in Iowa because of their skills. The plant employs about 2,500 workers.

He told the Des Moines Register that the loss would hurt the city’s economy. JBS is the largest employer in the area.

The United Food & Commercial Workers union representing the workers said the decision creates instability, harms local economies and threatens the food supply chain.

JBS is reportedly paying workers $1,000 each to help them self-deport to their home countries.

One of the largest meat processors, JBS also has a plant in Marshalltown, Iowa, and said earlier in the year it plans to build a $135 million sausage processing plant that will employ 500 people in Perry, Iowa.

Iowa is home to several pork and beef processing plants, including facilities run by Tyson Foods, Smithfield Foods and Iowa Premium Beef. The state leads the nation in pork and egg production and also produces large quantities of turkey, beef and milk.

In July, Trump said on a trip to Iowa that he would put farmers in charge of agricultural workers in the country illegally. But Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said there would be no amnesty for workers in agriculture.

Rollins pointed to the Medicaid cuts passed by Congress and said the jobs should be done by automation and American workers.

reached out to JBS for comment and has not yet heard back.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
The same Knicks issue is rearing its head once again

Unpacking the Knicks’ Recurring Struggles: Can They Overcome Their Persistent Challenges?

The Knicks are feeling the sting of early-season challenges. They’ve consistently struggled…
Decaying iconic movie landmark gets a new $50million lease of life

Iconic Movie Landmark Revitalized with $50 Million Restoration Plan

A historic New York City icon that featured in the film Men…
Pope Leo XIV delivers first Christmas message calling for end to violence in Middle East, Russia-Ukraine war

Pope Leo XIV’s Historic Christmas Plea: A Call for Peace in the Middle East and Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Pope Leo XIV, in his Christmas Day address on Thursday, made a…
Free Christmas toys Chicago: Hundreds of families receive gifts at annual I Am A Gentleman toy giveaway on Christmas Eve

Hundreds of Chicago Families Celebrate Christmas Eve with Free Toys from I Am A Gentleman Giveaway

In a heartwarming display of holiday spirit, hundreds of toys, clothing, and…
Virginia family alleges bed bugs bit them during transatlantic flight, suing Delta and KLM airlines

Virginia Family Files Lawsuit Against Delta and KLM Airlines Over Alleged Bed Bug Bites During Transatlantic Flight

A family from Virginia has filed a lawsuit claiming they suffered bites…
The 'hard-knock' life of Melodee Buzzard

Exploring the Resilient Journey of Melodee Buzzard

Melodee Buzzard’s young life was marked by turmoil before her tragic death.…
Kerri Ann Abatti killed: California farmer Michael Abatti arrested on suspicion of murder in wife's death in Arizona

California Farmer Michael Abatti Arrested on Murder Charges in Wife Kerri Ann Abatti’s Death in Arizona

A well-known farmer from California was apprehended on Tuesday, suspected of murdering…
Part of California State Route 138 washes away from flooding Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, outside of Wrightwood, Calif. (AP Photo/Wally Skalij)

Southern California Braces for More Rain as Christmas Day Storm Looms Over Already Waterlogged Region

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The intense winter storm that recently drenched Southern…