ICE Raids Causing Fear in Immigrant Communities Across the US
Immigrants who lack documentation have been experiencing significant levels of trauma with ICE agents conducting sweeping raids across communities. These raids are tearing families apart and creating fear in communities with high rates of immigrants.
For many individuals without papers, the possibility of being detained or even deported is a daily fear. Parents are scared to leave their homes for work in fear of not returning home. Children go to school worrying that they could be separated from their parents at any moment. This constant fear creates a state of chronic toxic stress and over time leads to anxiety, depression, and other trauma related health issues.
The impact this is having on children is especially concerning. In homes where one (or both) parents are undocumented, kids often take on an emotional burden that they should not have to. The constant worries and fear can cause difficulty in school and withdrawal from social, school and sports activities. In Milford Massachusetts a high school student named Marcelo Gomes Da Silva was detained by ICE while he was on his way to volleyball practice. He was kept in an ICE detention facility for 6 days and described his treatment in detainment as humiliating and embarrassing. Immigrants no longer feel a sense of safety in their own communities and are experiencing high levels of mistrust of law enforcement.
There is also a deep emotional toll on families who are living with this constant fear and uncertainty. Not knowing what could happen from one day to the next can affect how people live their everyday lives.
One positive thing taking place, during this otherwise disturbing time, is that communities have been coming together to support each other. People are showing up, helping out, and trying to create a sense of safety for those who feel especially vulnerable right now.
Alvarez, B. (2025). The Trauma Immigration Raids Leave in Classrooms. National Education Association.
Betancourt, S. (2025). Milford teen released from ICE detention, says “All glory goes to God.” GBH News