Mexican employees who legally work at Ohio farm face uncertainty amid cartel violence

WAVERLY, Ohio (WSYX) — The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico lifted a shelter-in-place order for all Americans in Mexico on Tuesday, but there’s still fallout from the wave of cartel violence.

Sunday, the Mexican government killed a powerful drug lord, Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, with the help of U.S. intelligence. His death sparked violence by suspected gang members.

Farms across central Ohio legally employ workers from Mexico through the U.S Government, and they are preparing for them to arrive in America.

But Mandy and Cameron Way, who own Way Farms in Waverly, said there’s uncertainty about whether their employees will be able to travel to America soon.

The couple said one employee is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. next week after his consulate appointment in Mexico.

“The bus stop that he was going to be using, they are flipping buses and setting them on fire at this point as of yesterday,” said Mandy Way. “And he’s just commenting that he feels unsafe to travel, and we’ve advised him to stay safe. The work will wait. You need to take care of yourself.”

The Ways have been checking in on their employees since they heard about the recent violence. They said other central Ohio farm owners are doing the same.

“We’ve had other area farmers tell us that they’ve already been notified that their consulate appointments have been either canceled or relocated because of the violence,” Way said.

They said the employees need a visa to work in central Ohio, and the process is regulated by the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and Labor, including their hourly wages. The Ways are also required to pay for their lodging, utilities, and transportation while in the U.S.

“They show up every day,” said Way. “They always ask, ‘What’s next? What more can we do?’ They’re enthusiastic to help and appreciative. And yes, it’s expensive, but they’re worth it.”

They said it’s a challenge to find people who are local who want to work long, hot hours in the field, seven days a week, for about eight months straight.

Right now, the Ways said their employees’ safety is most important.

“We feel for them,” said Way. “This will be their sixth season with us. So, they’re our family. We love them.”