By Richard T. Herman, Esq., Immigration Attorney, Herman Legal Group – The Law Firm for Immigrants
Quick Answer Box
Aggressive ICE raids under the Trump administration’s 2025 enforcement surge have created a nationwide mental health crisis among immigrant families. Children exhibit PTSD, chronic anxiety, and depression, while adults face panic, insomnia, and hypervigilance—all linked to fear of detention and family separation.
Introduction to the Mental Health Crisis
The mental health crisis unfolding among immigrant families and children in the United States is more urgent than ever. Aggressive immigration enforcement, including detention and deportation, has led to profound mental health consequences for both immigrant and U.S.-born children living in mixed-status households.
Chronic fear, anxiety, and stress are now daily realities for many, as the threat of family separation looms large. These mental health impacts are not just individual struggles—they ripple through entire communities, affecting school performance, family stability, and overall well-being.
Restrictive immigration policies have created an environment where mental health care is both desperately needed and often out of reach. Mental health professionals, policymakers, and community leaders must recognize the emotional toll of enforcement-driven immigration systems and prioritize the well-being of immigrant children and families. Addressing this crisis requires a coordinated response that centers mental health care, supports mixed-status households, and confronts the human costs of current immigration policies.
Fast Fact — Why ICE Raids Are Increasing in 2025
In 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expanded Operation Endgame 2.0, intensifying ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Unlike prior efforts targeting serious offenders, these new raids reach non-criminal immigrants, including long-settled parents and mixed-status families.
Important Note:
Since early 2025, ICE has staged raids in more than 20 states, including Ohio cities like Cleveland and Columbus. Churches and schools now serve as informal safe havens as fear ripples through communities.
Militaristic ICE Raids in U.S. Cities: The 2025 Escalation
Fast Fact — From Policing to Paramilitary Tactics
- Over the past several months, immigration enforcement operations have increasingly resembled military-style raids in major U.S. cities, often described as enforcement actions that have significant impacts on immigrant communities, including heightened fear, family separation, and destabilization.
- Federal agents have deployed helicopters, tear gas, masked tactical units, and heavy weaponry during civilian arrests—marking a visible shift in how ICE conducts enforcement.
- In Chicago, agents rappelled from a Black Hawk helicopter onto an apartment building during a pre-dawn operation, as part of Operation Midway Blitz—a large-scale crackdown ordered by DHS and the White House.
- The federal government even used Naval Station Great Lakes as a staging hub for ICE operations—an unprecedented use of military infrastructure for civilian immigration enforcement.
Key Insight:
These militarized tactics blur the line between civil immigration enforcement and domestic military operations, intensifying fear among immigrant families and citizens alike.
Tear Gas, Black Hawks, and Masked Agents
- During the Chicago raids, residents and journalists captured footage of federal agents deploying tear gas and pepper balls in immigrant neighborhoods and near ICE detention facilities. These operations were carried out by agencies involved in customs enforcement, highlighting the role of customs enforcement in detaining, deporting, and conducting raids on immigrant communities.
- An Associated Press investigation documented tear gas and “less-lethal” weapons used to disperse protesters outside an ICE field office in Broadview, Illinois.
- Agents were seen wearing black masks, military-grade helmets, and tactical armor—creating an environment of chaos and panic that echoed wartime imagery.
- Following public backlash, a federal judge in Chicago ordered ICE and other DHS units to begin using body cameras and to identify themselves clearly during operations.
Expert Tip:
The ACLU has warned that these tactics reflect a “dangerous national policing force” that lacks transparency and civilian oversight.
National Expansion — Chicago, Los Angeles, Portland, New York
- Chicago, Illinois: Operation Midway Blitz triggered hundreds of arrests and multiple reports of tear gas use, helicopter overflights, and school lockdowns to protect children from potential exposure. The local school district coordinated with law enforcement to implement safety measures and maintain communication with families during the raids. Schools in South Chicago went on “soft lockdown” during raids (People Magazine).
- Los Angeles, California: In June 2025, protests against mass raids in MacArthur Park drew National Guard deployments and scenes of troops and federal officers firing tear gas into crowds (PBS/AP) and (Reuters).
- Portland, Oregon: The administration authorized troop deployments to protect ICE facilities, sparking state lawsuits and public outcry.
- New York City: A raid in Chinatown involved over 50 armed federal agents, an armored vehicle, and masked officers—drawing massive protests and local government condemnation.
At a Glance:
- ICE raids now regularly involve military aircraft, tactical squads, and riot-control weapons.
- National Guard and federal troops have been mobilized in multiple states under the guise of immigration enforcement.
- Civil-rights groups report collateral detentions of U.S. citizens and lawful residents during these raids.
Community Fallout — Fear, Trauma, and Mental Health
- The psychological impact of militarized raids on families and children is profound, with a significant psychological toll that includes immediate and persistent emotional suffering for both adults and children. Teachers in Chicago and Los Angeles report children having panic attacks and nightmares after helicopters hovered near their homes.
- The Urban Institute and American Psychological Association warn that exposure to military-style enforcement can trigger PTSD-like symptoms, depression, and long-term stress.
- Parents describe living in “siege conditions,” afraid to open doors or let children play outside when helicopters or convoys are overhead.
- Mental-health professionals emphasize that hypervigilance and fear of state violence are now common among immigrant communities nationwide. Family separation and the constant fear of it can lead to toxic stress, negatively affecting brain development and long-term health.
Important Note:
Militarized raids not only cause immediate trauma but also erode trust in law enforcement, schools, and healthcare systems—worsening the ongoing mental-health crisis already affecting immigrant families. The effects of these raids can result in intergenerational trauma, as the psychological harm and stress are transmitted across generations, impacting family dynamics and emotional development.
Key Takeaways
- 2025 ICE raids increasingly employ military tactics—Black Hawks, tear gas, and tactical units—in civilian neighborhoods.
- Major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, Portland, and New York have witnessed paramilitary-style raids, sparking protests and lawsuits.
- These operations have intensified mental-health trauma, school absenteeism, and widespread fear among immigrant families, resulting in significant family suffering.
- Legal experts and organizations like the ACLU and Herman Legal Group urge federal oversight and trauma-informed policy reform.
- The line between immigration enforcement and militarization continues to blur—raising urgent human-rights and constitutional questions.
Expert Insight — How Immigration Enforcement Triggers Trauma
Psychologists describe the mental fallout as toxic stress – a sustained fight-or-flight state that alters brain development and emotional regulation.
The American Psychological Association reports that children exposed to raids frequently show:
- Nightmares and sleep disturbance
- Regression in language or behavior
- Panic when separated from caregivers
- Persistent fear of uniforms or sirens
Expert Tip:
Dr. Silvia Mazzini of UCLA calls this a “rolling wave of PTSD.” She notes, “Children aren’t just scared one night—they carry that fear for years.”
Adults, too, display symptoms of depression and panic. The mere sound of a door knock can send adrenaline surging.
Children on Edge — The Youngest Victims
Across immigrant neighborhoods—from Los Angeles to Cleveland—teachers report children crying through class, skipping school, or refusing to leave home. In Columbus, Ohio, one counselor told the Dispatch that students sometimes write parents’ phone numbers on their arms in case of an ICE raid. Children in mixed-status families experience academic disengagement due to fears of family separation. Alongside teachers and counselors, school officials also play a key role in supporting affected students, offering counseling and connecting families to mental health services.
At a Glance
• 45 % of U.S.-born children of immigrants show trauma indicators when a parent is detained. • They’re 5 × more likely to develop clinical depression or anxiety. • Attendance often plunges for weeks after local raids.
The Urban Institute documented a 20 % attendance drop in Georgia schools following a 2024 workplace raid. Children described “panic dreams” and fear that “ICE will come to school.”
Parents Under Siege — Constant Fear and Community Disruption
For parents, every errand can trigger dread. Immigrant parents, in particular, face unique pre-migration and post-migration stressors, with enforcement actions compounding their anxiety and impacting their families’ mental health.
A 2025 Pew Research Center survey found 63 % of undocumented adults avoided hospitals or public spaces for fear of ICE.
Key Insight:
Chronic enforcement fear mirrors wartime hypervigilance, yet families receive no formal trauma care.
One father told local media he and his wife take turns staying awake at night so someone can listen for ICE vehicles.
Public-health reviews show that constant fear produces elevated cortisol levels—a biological stress marker—and accelerates depression when untreated.
A 2024 Urban Institute brief found families often skip therapy and medical visits due to deportation fears, deepening anxiety and isolation. Barriers to healthcare, including fear of deportation and language challenges, prevent access to necessary treatment among immigrants.
Inside the Data — What Research Reveals About ICE Raids and Mental Health Consequences
PTSD-Like Symptoms
Fieldwork from the Urban Institute documented children exhibiting sleep disturbance, separation anxiety, regression, and crying spells—classic PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) traits—after a parent’s detention.
A 2025 review in the Annual Review of Public Health linked immigration enforcement broadly to heightened anxiety, depression, and trauma responses.
These findings echo what clinicians across Ohio now see daily in mixed-status households.
Fast Fact:
Children who witness or fear ICE raids often develop PTSD-like responses—documented across multiple longitudinal studies.
Impact on Schools and Absenteeism
New 2025 data from Stanford University economist Thomas Dee found that school districts hit by raids saw a 22 % jump in daily absences, equating to 1.4 lost instruction days per student over six months (EdWorkingPaper 25-1202). Citizen children, including U.S.-born students living in mixed-status families, are also affected by these disruptions, facing increased absenteeism and emotional distress.
Educators nationwide report similar declines, with students disappearing for days after local operations. The National Education Association warns that persistent fear is eroding academic performance and trust between immigrant families and schools.
At a Glance:
Raids cost children learning time and trigger chronic absenteeism – now quantified for the first time in national data.
Depression and Anxiety
Public-health researchers at UCLA and Johns Hopkins have shown direct links between enforcement stress and clinical depression among adults and teens. Research also highlights the critical role of behavioral health support in addressing the psychological impacts of immigration enforcement, including trauma and stress.
The Urban Institute and American Psychological Association confirm widespread anxiety symptoms, often untreated due to insurance barriers or fear of identification.
Maternal Stress & Birth Outcomes
Following the notorious Postville, Iowa raid, a peer-reviewed study in Epidemiology found Latina mothers near the raid site had a 24 % higher risk of low-birthweight infants, indicating severe physiological stress.
This evidence underscores that trauma doesn’t stop with detention—it crosses generations, exemplifying what is known as structural and intergenerational trauma, where systemic immigration enforcement practices create deep, lasting effects that impact families over time.
Suicide and Self-Harm
Although comprehensive youth data remain limited, studies of immigration detention and ICE detention centers show elevated suicide rates among detainees.
A PLOS-indexed analysis revealed persistent mental-health crises inside facilities, while public-health reviews identify higher suicidal ideation among Hispanic immigrant youth living under enforcement threat.
Clinicians caution that repeated raids, family separation, and stigma are major risk factors for adolescent self-harm.
Important Note:
Data gaps remain, but the emerging picture points to an enforcement-driven public-health emergency extending from classrooms to clinics.
Detention and Deportation
Detention and deportation are among the most traumatic experiences an immigrant family can face, leaving lasting scars on mental health. The process is often chaotic and unpredictable, causing intense emotional strain for every family member. Children who witness or endure the detention or deportation of a parent or loved one are especially vulnerable, frequently developing behavioral problems such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The constant fear that a family member could be taken away at any moment creates a state of chronic stress, which can undermine both physical and mental health.
Family separation disrupts the sense of safety and stability that children need for healthy development. The emotional fallout can manifest as sleep disturbances, withdrawal, or other mental health symptoms that persist long after the event. For immigrant families, the threat of detention and deportation is not just a legal issue—it is a public health crisis with serious consequences for mental health outcomes and overall well-being.
Legal Landscape — How Policies Enable or Worsen the Crisis
Under INA § 287(g), local police can collaborate with ICE. Immigration policy acts as a structural determinant of the mental health crisis, shaping the environment in which these collaborations occur. In 2025, Trump revived more than 60 such agreements – including several in Ohio – creating fear even in routine traffic stops.
Important Note:
In some counties, domestic-violence reports by immigrant women have fallen nearly 40 % since local police partnered with ICE.
The Herman Legal Group warns that “collateral arrests” – detaining bystanders not originally targeted – magnify community trauma while eroding due process.
Impact on Schools and Communities
Teachers and social workers have become first responders to the psychological fallout. In Cleveland and Columbus, schools have created “Safe Space Classrooms” offering confidential counseling. Schools also provide on-site mental health services, including therapists and psychologists, to support students.
Faith-based groups like Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland and Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS) in Columbus fill the gaps with trauma counseling and emergency aid. Community centers also serve as supportive spaces, offering legal assistance, grassroots advocacy, and “Know Your Rights” training for immigrant families.
Community members often organize and volunteer to support affected families, providing mutual aid and emotional support. Community organizations connect families facing enforcement actions to legal aid services, ensuring access to immigration legal assistance during times of crisis.
Expert Tip: The NEA urges every district to adopt “safe-haven protocols” and train staff to recognize post-raid trauma symptoms.
The Role of Healthcare Providers
Healthcare providers are on the front lines of addressing the mental health challenges faced by immigrant families. Their role extends beyond treating physical ailments—they are essential in recognizing and responding to the unique mental health issues that arise from immigration enforcement and family separation.
Providers who are culturally competent and sensitive to the experiences of immigrant communities can offer critical emotional support, help families navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, and connect them with community resources.
By advocating for policies that protect immigrant families and reduce barriers to care, healthcare providers can help ensure that mental health care is accessible and effective. They also play a key role in reducing stigma around mental health issues, encouraging families to seek help, and fostering trust within immigrant communities. Ultimately, healthcare providers are vital partners in promoting the health and well-being of immigrant families facing unprecedented mental health challenges.
How Immigration Lawyers and Mental Health Advocates Respond
Immigration attorneys now coordinate closely with therapists to address trauma during legal representation. At the Herman Legal Group, we regularly assist clients suffering panic and despair after a raid, with particular attention to how legal status can limit access to both legal and mental health support. Asylum seekers are especially vulnerable, often experiencing heightened psychological distress due to enforcement actions and systemic barriers.
Expert Insight: Immigration Lawyer Richard Herman
“Behind every deportation file is a story of emotional devastation. Our role is to defend not just rights but human dignity.”
Lawyers work with clinicians from NAMI Ohio and Mental Health America to produce psychological-hardship evaluations for waiver and asylum cases — a strategy that strengthens both legal outcomes and healing. These evaluations are particularly critical for asylum seekers, who frequently face trauma from detention, family separation, and the uncertainty of their legal status.
Coping and Healing — Resources for Families
National Hotlines• NAMI Helpline (1-800-950-NAMI)
• Mental Health America – trauma & immigrant stress resources
• Immigrant Legal Resource Center – community defense guides
• Mutual aid networks can also provide coordinated support such as grocery deliveries, legal aid, and rapid response teams for immigrant families during crises.
Ohio Support• Herman Legal Group – trauma-informed legal defense (Cleveland & Columbus)
• Catholic Charities Cleveland
• CRIS Columbus
Expert Tip:
Create an emergency family plan, seek counseling early, connect with trusted faith and community groups, and document symptoms for legal support. Community responses to enforcement actions, such as proactive planning and support networks, play a key role in supporting mental health and fostering resilience.
Reducing Stigma
Reducing stigma around mental health issues is a crucial step in supporting immigrant families. Many immigrant communities face significant obstacles to accessing mental health care, including language barriers, lack of health insurance, and the pervasive fear of deportation. Stigma surrounding mental illness can further discourage individuals from seeking the help they need, leading to untreated mental health problems and worsening outcomes.
Community-based initiatives, such as mental health workshops, support groups, and culturally tailored outreach programs, are effective ways to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma. By fostering a culture of understanding and support, these efforts empower immigrant families to prioritize their mental health and access the care they deserve. Breaking down stigma is essential for building healthier, more resilient immigrant communities.
Increasing Access to Care
Expanding access to mental health care is essential for addressing the mental health crisis among immigrant families. This means providing culturally competent services, increasing the number of bilingual mental health professionals, and removing barriers that prevent families from seeking help. Community-based organizations and healthcare providers can collaborate to deliver mental health care that is responsive to the unique needs of immigrant communities.
Policymakers also have a critical role to play by enacting measures that protect immigrant families and promote mental health awareness. By supporting initiatives that increase access to care—such as funding for community mental health centers, legal protections, and outreach programs—we can ensure that immigrant families receive the support they need to heal and thrive. Increasing access to care is not just a matter of health; it is a matter of justice and dignity for all families.
What Policymakers and Communities Can Do
Policy Reforms
- End 287(g) agreements
- Guarantee access to counsel for detainees
- Fund community mental-health centers in immigrant corridors
- Codify schools and hospitals as enforcement-free zones
- Protect health care facilities as enforcement-free zones to ensure patient privacy and access to healthcare for immigrant families
- Maintain a robust refugee admissions program to support community stability and provide legal protections for refugees and asylum-seekers
Community Solutions
Coalitions linking lawyers, therapists, and educators—like those forming in Ohio—help families rebuild stability.
Programs such as Sanctuary Schools and Know Your Rights clinics restore trust and reduce trauma. Community-based support networks are important for connecting affected families with local resources, such as mental wellness centers and legal defense centers.
Important Note:
Humane policy is economically smart: each deportation creates new public-health and education costs.
Key Takeaways
- ICE raids in 2025 trigger a national mental-health crisis.
- Children show PTSD, anxiety, and school withdrawal; adults face panic and depression.
- The immigration journey, with its many challenges and traumas, significantly impacts the mental health of immigrants and their families.
- Undocumented immigrants are particularly affected, facing heightened fear, limited access to care, and increased risk of mental health issues.
- New research links raids to 22 % higher absenteeism and intergenerational stress.
- Legal + mental-health collaboration mitigates harm.
- Ohio lawyers and advocates are building trauma-informed models for the nation.
- Every family deserves safety, dignity, and healing.
Resources and References
- ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations
- American Psychological Association – Immigration & Trauma
- Urban Institute – Effects of Immigration Raids on Families
- Stanford EdWorkingPaper 25-1202
- NAMI Home
- Mental Health America
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center
- Herman Legal Group – Book Consultation
- Catholic Charities Cleveland
- CRIS Columbus
- Steel et al. (2009) – Research on the mental health impacts of immigration policies and detention
