The Dramatic Rise of Farm Labor Contractors Has Led to Rampant Abuses. Here’s Why Regulators Have Failed to Stop Them.

ProPublicaCenter-LeftEN 7 min read 100% complete by Max BlauFebruary 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM

AI Summary

long article 7 min

A rise in the use of farm labor contractors to recruit and supervise foreign workers in the U.S. has led to widespread abuse, including instances of heatstroke deaths, kidnapping, and confinement. Federal prosecutors in Georgia have likened the exploitation to modern-day slavery, but despite legal efforts, state and federal regulators have failed to effectively curb these abuses. Lax enforcement of existing laws, insufficient numbers of inspectors, and a lack of political will to invest in worker protection contribute to the problem. Experts suggest that requiring farm owners to directly employ and oversee workers, rather than relying on contractors, could be a solution. The continued reliance on the H-2A visa program exacerbates the issue, as farmers depend on contractors to fill seasonal jobs.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

ProPublica 40% University of Georgia 50% Cesar Escalante 60% H-2A visa program 60% United States 70% Georgia ×280%

Keywords

farm labor contractors 100% farmworkers 90% labor abuse 90% exploitation 80% h-2a visa program 70% labor trafficking 70% modern-day slavery 60% lack of enforcement 60% foreign workers 50% retribution 40%