Supreme Court Weighs Labor Department Power to Fine Farms Without Trial

The Supreme Court is considering whether the Labor Department may impose civil penalties on New Jersey farm Sun Valley Orchards through its own administrative process, or whether the farm is entitled to a federal court and jury trial. The case stems from alleged violations of H-2A visa rules, including inadequate worker housing and sanitation, unsafe transportation, and breaches of employment agreements; the farm disputes the department’s authority to resolve the penalty claims administratively. The government argues that enforcing conditions of the agricultural visa program falls within its authority, while the farm says the dispute resembles a breach-of-contract claim traditionally heard in court. Several justices questioned whether immigration authority extends to workplace penalties and whether fines differ constitutionally from decisions about visa eligibility or removal. The case could affect the Labor Department’s enforcement powers and broader use of agency tribunals to impose civil penalties.