Immigration Enforcement Policies Affect US Disaster Recovery Workforce

The United States is entering the 2026 hurricane, fire, and flood season. Disaster recovery efforts rely on a workforce that includes a significant number of immigrants. Current immigration enforcement policies have resulted in deportations of some of these workers.

S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) handles deportations as part of immigration enforcement. Immigrants make up an estimated 25 to 40 percent of the disaster recovery workforce, according to reports.

These workers perform tasks such as repairing damaged roofs in the southeast, clearing debris after wildfires in the west, and addressing flood damage in the midwest. The Department of Homeland Security oversees ICE. Markwayne Mullin serves as Secretary of Homeland Security, having replaced Kristi Noem in that role.

During his Senate confirmation hearings and subsequent statements, Mullin addressed immigration enforcement approaches.

Policy Intersections with Disaster Response Federal policies on immigration intersect with disaster management.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) coordinates national disaster response. A recent court order required FEMA to relaunch climate resiliency grants for community preparation. Local and state governments also participate in disaster response alongside federal agencies.

The disaster season is expected to involve severe weather events, including extreme heat, drought, and fires, following low snowpack in the west and recent heat waves. These conditions affect vulnerable communities. Deportations may lead to fewer trained workers available for recovery efforts after events like hurricanes, fires, or floods.

This reduction stems from ongoing immigration enforcement actions. Federal, state, and local agencies coordinate to address these challenges.

Potential Next Steps Congress and the courts continue to influence disaster and immigration policies.

FEMA's mission includes protecting communities from disasters through preparation and response. Ensuring workforce availability during crises involves coordination across government levels.