The air in Brentwood Park carried a faint scent of smoke as workers spoke in Spanish while finishing the brick façade of a luxury home. This unassuming detail highlights a critical issue: the intersection of rebuilding thousands of homes destroyed by Southern California’s devastating fires and President-elect Trump’s promised crackdown on unauthorized immigrants.

“Everyone is scared,” said Melvin Merino, 36, a painter on-site. Many workers fear discussing their immigration status, worried it could lead to deportation—a concern shared even in immigrant-friendly Los Angeles.

The construction industry faces a labor shortage that could worsen as immigration enforcement intensifies. Trump’s proposed mass deportations and worksite crackdowns threaten to disrupt the workforce, potentially stalling rebuilding efforts for the thousands of homes destroyed in Pacific Palisades and Altadena.

“It’s a perfect storm,” said Jennie Murray, president of the National Immigration Forum, as the demand for skilled labor surges while the workforce shrinks. Approximately 41% of California construction workers are immigrants, with even higher figures in residential construction. Deportations could further strain an industry already struggling to meet labor demands.

The effects of such policies extend beyond rebuilding; preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics and other major projects could also be impacted. “There simply aren’t enough roofers, drywallers, and skilled trades,” said Nik Theodore, a University of Illinois professor.

Experts warn that deportations may ripple through the industry, causing job losses among U.S.-born workers. “If you don’t have framers or drywall installers, electricians and plumbers can’t do their work,” said Dayin Zhang, a University of Wisconsin-Madison professor.

For workers like Alberto Garcia, an immigrant from Honduras, the fear is palpable. “We’re very worried about deportations,” he said while seeking construction work in Malibu.

Despite the challenges, advocates like Pablo Alvarado of the National Day Laborers Organizing Network believe immigrant labor will remain essential. “Los Angeles will be rebuilt by immigrant workers,” said Theodore.

The question now is whether federal policies will support or hinder the region’s recovery.