It is a time of intense uncertainty for immigrants in the United States.
The immigration raids in Los Angeles have sent many individuals and families into hiding, disrupting work, education, and community life. Whether experienced or witnessed, deportation has taken its toll on black, indigenous, and people of color BIPOC mental health.
These raids can trigger chronic stress, anxiety, and even trauma and serve as painful reminders of systemic discrimination and racial profiling. They can also cause people to think twice about seeking mental health care for themselves or loved ones.
In honor of BIPOC Mental Health Month, we are shedding light on the emotional and psychological impacts of immigration enforcement. We’re sharing tips to support mental health and remind our communities that we are here to support them.
How do ICE raids affect immigrant communities?
According to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s June report, 65% of people swept up in immigration raids across the country have no criminal history. Their only crime is being undocumented or living here illegally.
Whether legal or illegal, their migration was driven by hope, economic opportunity, and a desire to keep their families safe.
Of the 9.8 million people living in Los Angeles County, about 951,000 are undocumented or “illegal.” Many have called Los Angeles home for decades and raised families, even though they lack legal status.
Once in the US, undocumented workers make up 4.6% of the country’s workforce. In California, they contribute $8.5 billion in taxes. And they often take the jobs citizens don’t want, such as construction, agriculture, and hospitality.
Additionally, many undocumented workers send remittance payments upwards of up to 15% of their incomes back home to families. Immigrants can have a long line of people dependent on their success.
As a result, getting deported creates a domino effect, with consequences that extend far beyond the individual.
These can include:
- Economic collapse for families: Especially when the primary earner is deported, families are left without income or access to public support systems — almost instantly.
- Severed lifelines abroad: Remittance payments are halted to families living in other countries, potentially deepening poverty rates there.
- Work disruption: Local employers lose skilled, reliable workers, which can threaten productivity and create staffing shortages.
- Educational setbacks for children: Instability and emotional distress may result in academic decline, while relocation or frequent moves forces students to drop out.
Deportation is a highly disruptive experience with far-reaching effects. The mental health impact of immigration raids can be felt across entire communities, compounding feelings of stress, trauma, and uncertainty.
How do ICE raids affect BIPOC mental health?
How immigration policies impact BIPOC mental health is just part of a larger challenge facing BIPOC communities in Los Angeles and across the country.
For many individuals, watching immigration raids unfold in their communities reminds them of the racial discrimination, economic hardship, and generational trauma they have experienced.
Compared to white populations:
- BIPOC communities experience elevated rates of mental health disorders and disability.
- Black adults are 20% more likely to report serious psychological distress.
- Depression in black and hispanic individuals is likely to be more persistent.
- Native and indigenous Americans report higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol dependence than any other ethnic or racial group.
- About 50% to 75% of BIPOC youth in the juvenile justice system meet the criteria for a mental illness.
- Cultural incompetence among health care providers likely contributes to misdiagnosis of mental illness.
These disparities not only show the mental health needs within BIPOC communities but also highlight the potential obstacles they may face in getting care.
Barriers to BIPOC mental health care access
The threat of immigration enforcement, whether experienced or witnessed, can place an immense psychological burden within BIPOC communities. However, there are several factors that may hinder them from getting the help they need.
These barriers include:
- A perception of discrimination within healthcare systems
- Language and communication barriers, which can lead to misdiagnosis or ineffective treatment
- Economic barriers such as a lack of insurance or financial resources to cover the cost of services
- Cultural stigma or taboos that view mental health issues as a sign of weakness or failure
- A lack of culturally competent providers who understand the language or culture of the patients they serve
- Logistical barriers such as limited transportation or jobs that make it difficult to attend appointments
Despite these challenges, there are practical ways individuals and families can care for their mental health and build resilience.
Tips for supporting BIPOC mental health in a time of fear
Many immigrants and members of the BIPOC community may hesitate to get help for mental health conditions because they fear being reported. For those in mixed-status families, they may worry about sharing personal information, even in a medical setting.
It’s important to remember that mental health clinicians are legally and ethically required to protect patient privacy — regardless of a patient’s immigration status.
Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), all healthcare providers face severe penalties and could lose their licenses if they reveal sensitive patient information. Additionally, strict guidelines set by the American Psychological Association and American Psychiatric Association emphasize a clinician’s duty to maintain trust.
Other ways immigrants and members of the BIPOC community can support their mental health include:
- Stay connected to trusted community networks: Maintain ties with family, faith groups and cultural organizations to reduce isolation and relieve stress.
- Seek culturally responsive care: Look for clinicians, therapists, or support groups familiar with your cultural background.
- Practice grounding techniques: Simple breathing exercises, mindfulness, journaling, or prayer and help manage anxiety.
- Know rights: Be informed about your legal rights during interactions with immigration authorities.
- Create a family safety plan: Organize documents, emergency contacts, childcare, and financial arrangements in case of the unexpected.
- Limit exposure to distressing news: Stay informed, but take breaks from social media or graphic stories that may lead to distressing feelings, such as political anxiety.
- Create a list of resources: Call the National Alliance on Mental Illness at 800-950-NAMI (6264) for culturally sensitive helplines.
Even in times of uncertainty and fear, taking small, intentional steps to care for mental health can make a meaningful difference. Support is available, and it is protected by strong privacy laws.
Key takeaways
- ICE raids have increased stress, anxiety, and trauma in communities already affected by systemic racism.
- Deportation impacts entire families and economies by disrupting income, remittances, local jobs, and children’s education.
- BIPOC communities have higher mental health needs, yet they often receive less care and face more persistent conditions.
- Barriers such as cost, stigma, language issues, and mistrust make accessing care harder.
- Clinicians are legally and ethically required to keep patient information confidential.
Looking for mental health care services near you?
Pacific Mind Health offers medication management, therapy, and interventional treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Spravato (esketamine) at our Los Angeles offices. Our experienced clinicians provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help you feel better.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation and start your mental health journey today.
