Daijiworld Media Network – McAllen
McAllen, Feb 24: More than a year after US President Donald Trump turned the traditionally Democratic Rio Grande Valley red, his aggressive deportation agenda is creating turbulence for the region’s construction industry, with builders warning of severe labour shortages and economic strain.
Homebuilders across the Valley say immigration raids at construction sites and growing fear among undocumented workers have disrupted projects, delayed timelines and increased costs. The region, which heavily depends on immigrant labour, has seen framers, foundation workers and drywall installers detained or reluctant to report to work.
Ronnie Cavazos, president of the South Texas Builders Association and owner of The Structure Team in Mission, said continued enforcement could force some businesses to shut down. “This will put us out of business if it continues,” he said at a recent luncheon in McAllen.
Several builders admitted the local economy relies significantly on immigrant workers, many of whom have lived and worked in the area for years. The American Immigration Council estimates that nearly 23 per cent of construction workers in Texas are undocumented, with the proportion believed to be even higher in the Valley.
The ripple effects are being felt beyond construction. Realtors, retailers and restaurants that depend on construction-related business have reported slowdowns. Jaime Lee Gonzalez, a McAllen realtor, said one investor is reconsidering purchasing over 100 lots due to fears that projects may stall midway.
Families are also feeling the pinch. Maria Vasquez, whose husband works in home framing, said reduced working hours have forced her to cut household expenses. “You remove from your list juices, things the kids want. Chips? No,” she said.
Industry representatives say rising interest rates and inflation are contributing factors, but describe the immigration crackdown as the decisive blow. Delays in construction have led to loan extensions and higher interest payments, compounding financial pressure.
Some builders, however, back the enforcement measures. Armando Rodriguez, owner of Castle Bridge Construction, said his company hires only documented workers and has complied with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) inspections without issue. “I got a business to run, so I do the right thing,” he said.
The White House has defended the crackdown, stating that new workforce preparedness measures and expanded temporary work visa programmes are aimed at addressing labour shortages. An executive order signed last April seeks to create more apprenticeships, while additional H-2B visas have been approved for temporary non-agricultural workers.
Despite the policy push, some business leaders who supported Trump’s return to office are expressing disappointment, warning that economic consequences could reshape political loyalties in the region ahead of future elections.
As immigration enforcement intensifies in the Rio Grande Valley, builders say the challenge now is balancing compliance with survival in a region where labour realities and political shifts are colliding.