ICE Removals Top 145,000 As Powell Warns Immigration Drop Is Squeezing Labor Supply

The Fed cut rates by 0.25% and signaled more reductions, but Chair Jerome Powell warned labor supply is constrained, citing declining U.S.-born population growth and reduced immigration. The story connects reported ICE removals (about 145,000 since January) and falling foreign-born labor participation to tighter labor markets that could limit how far the Fed can ease without reigniting inflation. Economists warn tariffs and a thin labor pipeline raise stagflation risks even as AI investment and high-income spending prop up growth.