What the ICE Arrest Freeze Means for the U.S. Hotel Industry?
PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement to halt arrests of undocumented hotel workers, as well as restaurant and farm workers, various media sources reported Friday. Trump’s order was intended to address industry concerns as nationwide protests against ICE raids continue.
Citing internal emails and other sources, the New York Times reported the new orders to pause raids and arrests in hotels, restaurants and the agricultural industry. A source told CBS News that Trump was not aware of the scale of the agency's operations.
"Once it hit him, he pulled it back," the source said.
Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said other immigration enforcement operations would continue, CBS reported.
"We will follow the President's direction and continue to work to get the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens off of America's streets," she said.
However, the Washington Post reported that officials it spoke with said there has been no official change in enforcement policy. No new order was available on the White House press office website as of Sunday morning.
Trump acknowledged the impact of his immigration policies on some sectors and said he would issue an order "soon," without giving details, according to the Post.
"Our farmers are being hurt badly and we're going to have to do something about that... We're going to have an order on that pretty soon," Trump said at the White House.
He added that it would also cover the hotel sector, which includes the Trump Organization, his private business now run by his adult sons.
"Our great farmers and people in the hotel and leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace," he wrote on his social media platform before his Thursday remarks. "Changes are coming!"
In April, Trump presented a plan to his cabinet allowing undocumented hotel and farm workers to leave the U.S. and return legally if backed by their employers.
Earlier in the day, protesters in Los Angeles and other cities are marching against Trump’s policies, according to the Los Angeles Times. “No Kings” protests against Trump’s executive actions are planned across Southern California and the country after a week that included National Guard and Marine deployments to L.A. in response to unrest over federal immigration enforcement.
Videos showing ICE agents chasing people in L.A. streets and parking lots have triggered backlash from local officials, sparked protests and led to hundreds of arrests.
In Washington, D.C., Trump attended the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary parade, which will include military equipment and troops. Saturday is also his 79th birthday.
Editor's note: This story has been updated from a previous version.
City councilman criticized for anti-Indian comments
Summary:
INDIAN AMERICANS are protesting Palm Bay, Florida, City Councilman Chandler Langevin’s social media posts calling for the deportation of people of Indian background. AAHOA opposed his remarks, saying its members are American entrepreneurs who create jobs, support local economies and serve communities nationwide.
The current controversy is related to Langevin’s Sept. 26 on social media in which he said “Deport every Indian immediately,” according local media reports. Another post from Sept. 28 stated, “There’s not a single Indian that cares about the United States.”
Langevin also faced controversy over previous comments he made about Islam and “left-wing evil.” The city council and Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina heard from members of the community calling for Langevin’s removal at Thursday night’s council meeting, according to the local media.
In a post on X, Langevin said he stood by his statements and “Palm Bay will not become Dallas or Dearborn.” He then listed his accomplishments during the 10 months he had served on the council, including removing fluoride from the water and “Initiating self DOGE of the city,” referring to the Department of Government Efficiency created by President Donald Trump.
“There’s not a single Indian that cares about the United States,” Langevin wrote on X. “They are here to exploit us financially and enrich India and Indians. America for Americans.”
Indian Americans are citizens and neighbors who exemplify American values: hard work, family, entrepreneurship and community service, AAHOA said in a statement.
“From small business owners and medical professionals to veterans, engineers, teachers and community leaders, they contribute not only to the economic vitality and cultural richness of Palm Bay and Brevard County, but also to the civic fabric that strengthens communities,” the association said.
“The recent comments made by Langevin are unacceptable, divisive and have no place in Palm Bay—or anywhere in America,” AAHOA said. “Calls to 'cease Indian migration' or 'deport every Indian immediately' are factually wrong and echo language that has led to violence and persecution in history. America’s strength comes from its diverse population, and attempts to demean or exclude communities based on heritage go against the nation’s principles of freedom and equality. We stand with the community in Palm Bay and across Florida. Hate has no home here and we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring every resident feels safe, respected and valued.”
John Torres, Florida Today’s opinions and engagement editor, called for action.
“It’s time for the people of Brevard County and the state of Florida to petition Gov. Ron DeSantis to remove this malignant keyboard warrior from public office,” he wrote. “We must address the Indian question,” echoing Adolf Hitler’s phrase “the Jewish question,” which justified the “final solution”—genocide. “This isn’t the first time Langevin’s rhetoric has crossed my desk. I chose not to write the first time to avoid publicizing his comments. But no more.”
Brevard politicians also condemned Langevin’s remarks, Florida Today reported.
"Our family stands with our local Indian community," Congressman Mike Haridopolos said. "They always put family first, work hard, value education and support local charities." State lawmakers
State Reps. Brian Hodgers and Monique Miller echoed those sentiments.
"These comments do not reflect the values of our state or community," Hodgers posted on Facebook. "Indian Americans are integral to Florida as business owners, professionals and neighbors. I stand with my friends in the Indian community and denounce these remarks."
"I stand with the Indian-American community,” Miller wrote. “You have built your businesses, lives and families in Brevard County, demonstrating shared values of liberty, community and enterprise. You are respected and I salute you."
A U.S. Commerce Department report showed Indian visitors to the U.S. fell 8 percent in June 2025 to 210,000, the first drop this millennium excluding the COVID-19 period.