In Southern California, a group of gardeners, mostly Latino, is facing difficult times as immigration raids increase. These workers, often referred to as the “mow and blow” guys, drive pickup trucks filled with lawn care tools to maintain the yards of suburban homes. Among them is Daniel, a gardener who has lived in the U.S. undocumented for 20 years. He offers more than just mowing; he also trims plants, fertilizes, and weeds. Despite the changing demands for yard care, he continues to work to support his family.
Daniel runs his landscaping business in Ventura County, where he has been for 11 years. He works hard to keep his clients satisfied, visiting eight to ten yards each day and charging an average of $150 a month. However, the fear of immigration raids looms over him and his family. He expressed the anxiety many in his community feel, saying, “These times are really hard and everybody is afraid.” His 15-year-old daughter, born in the U.S., shares this worry, reflecting on how discussions about their family’s future have become more serious amid the current climate.
Recent immigration sweeps have affected many Latino communities in the area. Reports indicate that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has ramped up its activities, targeting neighborhoods and workplaces. This has left many families, regardless of their immigration status, feeling vulnerable. Daniel mentioned that if he and his wife were detained, they have family nearby who could help their daughters, but he worries about the impact on their education and future.
The landscaping industry is heavily reliant on immigrant labor. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 1.2 million people work in landscaping across the country, with a significant percentage being Latino immigrants. In California, 88% of those workers are Latino, and many are undocumented, though exact numbers are unclear. The current political climate, particularly under the Trump administration, has intensified scrutiny and enforcement against undocumented immigrants, particularly in so-called sanctuary cities.
The fear of raids has led to a noticeable change in community dynamics. Events and markets that typically draw large crowds have been canceled due to concerns about ICE activity. For instance, the Ventura College Foundation canceled its Weekend Marketplace, which attracts thousands of Latino vendors and customers. Many workers, even those with legal status, are hesitant to speak out or engage in public activities, fearing they might be targeted.
Daniel’s experience is echoed by many in the industry. Another landscaper, who has been working in Ventura for 25 years, shared similar sentiments. He described feeling safe until recently and now worries about the constant threat of detention. He even avoided fueling his truck when he saw law enforcement vehicles nearby, fearing they might be ICE officials.
Despite these challenges, many immigrant workers continue to take pride in their work. Daniel and others like him see landscaping as a way to provide for their families and contribute to their communities. They find satisfaction in transforming neglected yards into beautiful spaces, which also helps them gain more business through word-of-mouth referrals.
As the situation evolves, organizations and businesses in the area are starting to speak out in support of immigrant rights. Some landscaping firms have publicly stated that their operations would not be viable without immigrant labor and have emphasized the importance of recognizing the humanity of these workers.
Daniel’s story highlights the resilience of immigrant families in the face of fear and uncertainty. He hopes for a better future for his daughters, who are striving for their dreams while navigating the complexities of their family’s immigration status. As the community grapples with these challenges, the contributions of immigrant workers remain vital to the fabric of Southern California.