Leelanau needs immigrants

To the editor:

As residents of Leelanau County, we cannot afford to look away from the abhorrent actions of ICE that are spreading through immigrant communities across the country. What may feel distant now will matter very much here when spring arrives.

Each year, our local economy depends on migrant workers who return to help plant, tend, and harvest the fruit crops that define this region. They also staff our restaurants, hotels and wineries, keeping our hospitality industry running during our busy summer season. These workers are not abstractions in a political debate; they are our neighbors, coworkers, and an important part of our seasonal workforce.