The Trump administration’s immigration policies, coupled with ICE’s intensified enforcement efforts, appear to be taking a toll on businesses. In Louisiana, one construction company is struggling to find workers—not only because many Hispanic laborers are fearful in the current climate, but also because some of the people complaining about “Hispanics taking American jobs” seem unwilling to take those very jobs themselves.
Shane Mulkey, a businessman from Louisiana and CEO of a construction company, recently drew attention by posting a job listing for roof shingle removal. The post came after he reportedly lost four workers, despite their having permits. Mulkey’s hiring notice quickly went viral, largely because of his optimistic remark: “I expect the line to be out the door and around the corner.” However, when no one showed up, his struggle gained traction across other platforms.
For Mulkey, the experience may have served as a wake-up call. In a follow-up post, he reflected on the situation and criticized what he described as the increasingly toxic nature of the political movement he had supported. “What we are witnessing in real time is what happens when people make a elected official their idol… We just witnessed people who love their neighbors no matter their skin color and ethnicity turn overnight and look at a race like cockroaches.”
Mulkey has since urged MAGA supporters and fellow Republicans to place their faith in the right values, even though he may have supported the very policies now contributing to his business difficulties. “Many others and I are for closed borders, and you have to follow the laws. I’m not advocating for using workers who aren’t legal, but I do take issue with some of the tactics, such as bum-rushing school buses and arresting parents in front of their kids,” Mulkey stated.
Louisiana Residents Fire Back at the CEO’s Claims
While Mulkey tried to make several statements showing regret, it seems they didn’t land so well with some people, as several Redditors believe he was just trying to save face, and in the end, his political views might not change.
“Pretty words, but is it just words? If you’re going to vote for Republicans again next election, this is all performative God-bothering you’re talking here… If you have truly seen the light, you need to vote like it.”
In a surprising turn of events, the CEO agreed with comments like the above one, saying that he might actually turn the page and not vote for the GOP anymore. Yet, that’s still a long way from happening, as elections are far away.
In the end, some people still believe that the climate won’t change and that Trump will continue to antagonize and affect the lives of immigrants, even those who are in the country legally.
They are simply more fodder to be abused.”
Yet, some still believe that things could eventually calm down and allow people to return to apply for different jobs.
