economy
February 18, 2026
Trump’s immigration siege is rattling hospitality industry, workers say
Unite Here, the US’s largest hospitality workers’ union, says ICE crackdown is harming tourism and costing jobs
TL;DR
- The US hospitality industry is experiencing a decline in employment, with a 98,000 drop in workers from December 2024 to December 2025.
- Unite Here, a major hospitality union, attributes this decline and a 5.5% drop in tourism revenue to the Trump administration's immigration policies.
- Immigration crackdowns have created fear among hospitality workers, with some being detained despite having work authorization.
- International tourism to the US has decreased by 2.5 million visitors in 2025, impacting revenue for businesses in cities like Minneapolis, Washington D.C., and Las Vegas.
- The policies are causing staff shortages and increased workloads, as some workers have left the industry due to fear or deportation.
- A report estimates Trump's deportation goals could lead to millions of job losses for both immigrants and US-born workers.
- The fear and tension surrounding immigration policies are affecting domestic travel and the overall atmosphere for businesses and tourists.
- DHS and White House spokespeople defended immigration policies, citing public safety and the availability of American workers.
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