Outrage is brewing on social media platform X as Tyson Foods faces backlash for its decision to close a pork processing facility in Perry, Iowa, resulting in the loss of 1,276 blue-collar jobs. The controversy escalated further following reports of Tyson’s interest in hiring tens of thousands of migrants.

In a statement to Food Dive, a Tyson spokesperson defended the closure, stating, “While this decision was not easy, it emphasizes our focus to optimize the efficiency of our operations to best serve our customers.” However, critics argue that the move prioritizes corporate profits over the livelihoods of American workers.

Garrett Dolan, who leads Tyson’s efforts to address employment barriers, shed light on the company’s intentions to hire migrants in a statement to Bloomberg. Dolan stated, “We would like to employ another 42,000 [migrants] if we could find them,” highlighting Tyson’s reliance on migrant labor to fill its workforce needs.

The announcement has sparked calls for a boycott of Tyson Foods products, with many expressing outrage over the perceived disregard for American workers in favor of cheaper labor alternatives. The closure of the Perry plant serves as a poignant example of the broader debate surrounding immigration, labor practices, and corporate responsibility.

As Tyson Foods grapples with mounting criticism, the company’s decision to prioritize efficiency and cost-cutting measures at the expense of American jobs underscores the complex intersection of economic interests and social justice concerns.