Catherwood LibraryILR School

Over 200 immigrant workers at a JBS meatpacking plant in Ottumwa, Iowa, have lost their jobs after the Trump administration ended key immigration programs that had granted them legal status and work permits. Many affected employees had been working legally under programs like TPS and CHNV, which provided protection for people fleeing crises in countries such as Haiti and Nicaragua. The workers were told by JBS that they were no longer eligible to work, prompting fears of deportation and financial instability. Local advocates and union leaders say these workers followed the rules but are now being punished due to political decisions beyond their control.