“I only got mildly sick, and my business partner—my son, Gonzalo Farías Jr.—and I kept the company running in difficult times.”
A longtime immigrant landscaper explains how immigration enforcement, inflation, and extreme heat are changing one of Southern California’s largest outdoor workforces.
It’s not just the scorching heat that leaves workers constantly reaching for water as soaring temperatures drain their energy. It’s also the economy, as an industry largely powered by undocumented workers has been hit hard by financial uncertainty. And then there’s ICE, the federal immigration agency whose enforcement operations have spread fear across communities—especially in Los Angeles.
Gardeners represent one of the largest and most visible outdoor workforces in Los Angeles. They survived the COVID-19 pandemic and are now navigating the challenges of President Donald Trump’s second term, marked by intensified immigration enforcement targeting immigrant communities.
“Immigrants are resilient. We endure everything,” says Gonzalo Farías, owner of Farías Landscape, a company he founded in 2016. “During the pandemic, we kept working because we were essential workers. Now, through the economic crisis and anti-immigrant policies, we’re still out on the streets. We’ve been among the hardest hit, exposed to everything.”
A Life Rooted in the Land
Farías comes from a farming town. Born in Los Tepames, Colima, Mexico, his connection to agriculture and nature has shaped him since childhood.
“It’s simply part of who we are. If we see dry plants somewhere, we’ll find water and take care of them. We don’t see them as separate from us. Hard work and love for nature are part of our lives. We help God beautify the world.”
Despite the current challenges, Farías says he has little reason to complain. The landscaping industry has remained steady for those willing to work hard.
“During the pandemic, business actually increased because clients kept recommending us to others,” he explains. “I only got mildly sick, and my business partner—my son, Gonzalo Farías Jr.—and I kept the company running in difficult times.”
Today, immigration enforcement is part of his daily reality.
“With Trump back in office, we’re careful whenever we’re out working. We have legal immigration documents, so we don’t worry as much, but we still keep track of where ICE is operating. You know how it is—they show up, and it doesn’t always matter whether you have papers or not. They arrest first and figure things out later.”
He acknowledges that many landscaping crews have disappeared because workers have either been deported or are too afraid to go out.
“It’s hard to say, but many gardeners have been deported or have stopped working. That has actually brought us more business. Clients call us to say the people who used to maintain their yards were taken by immigration authorities, so we take over the work.”
From Worker to Business Owner
Farías arrived in Los Angeles in 1990, like many immigrants searching for a better future. His uncle owned a landscaping crew, giving him his first opportunity in the industry. His agricultural experience in Mexico quickly made him a skilled landscaper.
After becoming legally established in the United States, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by launching his own company with his son. Today, he hopes to expand Farías Landscape and secure contracts with government agencies and private companies.
“I always dreamed of owning my own business,” he says. “I’ve never been afraid of hard work. Landscaping has been good to us, but it’s not the only thing we do. My wife and I also provide taco catering for weddings, quinceañeras, and family celebrations. We usually do one or two events each month, and that extra income helps.”
“Many people ask me to install artificial landscaping, and I turn those jobs down, even though they’re profitable. I believe in protecting nature.”
“We Help God Beautify the World”
For Farías, landscaping is more than mowing lawns—it’s a profession that requires education, skill, and continuous learning.
“You have to love what you do. Since I come from a farming background, I naturally advocate for plants and nature. But this business isn’t easy or inexpensive. Fuel costs more, equipment parts cost more—everything has gone up. A lot of people think landscapers just mow the lawn, edge it, and blow away the clippings. Professional gardeners do much more than that.”
He is also a strong defender of natural landscapes and refuses projects that replace living greenery with artificial alternatives, even when they pay well.
“Many people ask me to install artificial landscaping, and I turn those jobs down, even though they’re profitable. I believe in protecting nature.”
Today, about 90% of his work is residential, serving communities including Whittier, Pasadena, Pico Rivera, and surrounding areas.
Adapting to Heat, Inflation, and Change
Farías says adaptation has become essential—not only because of rising temperatures but also because of inflation.
“Our customers have had to adjust their budgets to keep working with us. Since our costs have increased, we’ve had to raise our prices. Most people understand. If they can’t afford it right away, we negotiate. We have to be sensitive to their situation.”
Extreme heat is simply another challenge landscapers have learned to manage.
“We’re trained to recognize and prevent heat-related illnesses. Over time, your body adapts. You learn when to take breaks, stay in the shade, and drink plenty of water.”
Although he recognizes the difficulties many immigrants face, he notes that outdoor trades have remained relatively busy.
“The situation is tough, but some trades have benefited. Handymen have plenty of work; construction is busy too, and outdoor work has generally remained steady. ICE has been more selective in its raids, which has made a difference.”
Giving Back to the Colima Community
Beyond his business, Farías remains deeply connected to his hometown and the broader Colima community in Southern California. He actively participates in organizations representing people from Colima and helps organize annual cultural celebrations held in both Mexico and Los Angeles.
“I’m getting close to retirement,” he says with a smile. “But Colima still runs through my veins. We’ll keep promoting what’s best for our community.”
