In Southern California, a group of gardeners, often referred to as the "mow and blow" guys, are facing tough times. These mostly Latino workers drive pickup trucks filled with lawn care equipment, tending to yards in suburban neighborhoods. Among them is Daniel, who has been working as a gardener for 11 years and has lived in the U.S. without documentation for 20 years. He sees himself as more than just a lawnmower operator; he also trims plants, fertilizes, and weeds for his clients, some of whom have small or no lawns at all.
Daniel, like many others in his community, is feeling the pressure from recent immigration raids in Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties. Despite the fear, he continues to work to pay his bills. On a June morning, he was joined by his 15-year-old daughter, who, along with her sisters, was born in the U.S. Their parents, however, came from Mexico. The family has discussed what might happen if Daniel and his wife are detained. The situation weighs heavily on them, especially given the current climate of fear surrounding immigration enforcement.
Daniel expressed his concerns about the anxiety felt in the Latino community, saying, “These times are really hard and everybody is afraid.” He emphasized the need to work and provide for his family, highlighting the constant worry that comes with being undocumented. He charges his clients about $150 a month for his services, relying solely on word-of-mouth for business.
The impact of immigration policies is evident across the landscaping industry. An estimated 1.2 million people in the U.S. work in landscaping and groundskeeping, with a significant percentage being Latino immigrants. Many of these workers fear that they could be swept up in enforcement actions, even if they are U.S. citizens. A Latino landscaper shared that he now worries daily about the possibility of detention, a concern that was not present just weeks prior.
In response to the climate of fear, some local organizations are stepping up to support immigrant workers. For instance, Terremoto Landscape, a firm with offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco, has been vocal about immigrant rights, stating that the success of the landscaping industry relies heavily on immigrant labor. They argue that immigrants are not just workers; they are integral members of the community who contribute to the economy and society.
As immigration raids continue, some businesses are adjusting their operations. The Ventura College Foundation even canceled its popular Weekend Marketplace, which attracts thousands of Latino vendors and customers, out of concern for ICE activity. This decision reflects the broader trend of communities becoming quieter and more cautious in the wake of heightened enforcement.
Daniel’s story is one of many that illustrate the struggles faced by immigrant workers in California. He hopes for a better future for his children, who are working hard in school and aspiring to professional careers. “I think this is the point for all the parents,” he said. “We have our kids here so absolutely they have a better life than us.”
As the situation unfolds, the fear and uncertainty among immigrant communities remain palpable. Many continue to work, balancing their responsibilities with the constant anxiety of immigration enforcement looming over them.