Key Takeaways
• Over 100,000 arrests and 59,000 detentions occurred in the first half of 2025 during ICE raids.
• Schools should train staff in trauma-informed care and develop clear response plans for ICE-related incidents.
• Community partnerships, confidentiality, and emotional support are key to aiding children affected by raids.
Helping Children Cope with ICE Raids and Deportations: A Step-by-Step Guide for Schools, Caregivers, and Communities
The rise in ICE raids and deportations in 2025 has deeply affected immigrant families, especially children. With over 100,000 arrests and more than 59,000 people detained in the first half of the year, many children now face sudden separation from parents, emotional trauma, and uncertainty about their future. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions for schools, caregivers, and community organizations to help children cope with the ongoing impact of ICE raids and deportations.
Introduction: Why Support for Children Matters
When ICE raids target immigrant families, children often suffer the most. Many lose daily contact with parents, experience fear and anxiety, and may even be placed in foster care or with relatives by the Department of Human Services. These events can cause deep emotional wounds and disrupt a child’s sense of safety and stability. Schools, caregivers, and communities play a critical role in helping children recover and thrive, even in the face of ongoing enforcement actions.
This guide offers practical steps, time estimates, and troubleshooting tips to help you support children affected by ICE raids and deportations. By following these steps, you can make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
Step 1: Prepare Staff with Trauma-Informed Training
Purpose: Equip teachers, counselors, and staff to recognize and respond to trauma in children affected by ICE raids and deportations.
Actions:
- Schedule a training session for all staff on trauma-informed care. This training should cover:
- Signs of trauma in children (such as withdrawal, anger, sadness, or trouble concentrating)
- How to respond with empathy and patience
- Ways to create a safe and supportive environment
- Invite experts from local mental health organizations or immigrant advocacy groups to lead the training.
- Provide written materials and resources for ongoing reference.
Time Estimate: 2-4 hours for initial training; ongoing refreshers every 6 months.
Common Pitfalls:
– Skipping training or making it optional—all staff should participate.
– Focusing only on academic needs and ignoring emotional well-being.
Troubleshooting:
– If staff feel unprepared, offer follow-up sessions or one-on-one coaching.
– Use free resources like the IDRA Guide on Supporting Children Impacted by ICE Raids for additional support.
Step 2: Develop a Clear Response Plan
Purpose: Ensure your school or organization is ready to respond quickly and effectively if a child’s family is affected by an ICE raid.
Actions:
- Create a written protocol outlining steps to take if a student’s parent or guardian is detained or deported. Include:
- How to identify affected students
- Who to contact (school counselor, social worker, principal)
- Referral pathways to counseling and social services
- Assign roles so everyone knows their responsibilities during a crisis.
- Practice the plan with staff using role-play scenarios.
Time Estimate: 1-2 weeks to develop and communicate the plan; review and update every school year.
Common Pitfalls:
– Not having a plan in place before an incident occurs.
– Failing to communicate the plan to all staff members.
Troubleshooting:
– If confusion arises during an incident, hold a quick debrief afterward to identify gaps and update the plan.
Step 3: Communicate Clearly with Families
Purpose: Build trust and reassure immigrant families that your school or organization is a safe and supportive place.
Actions:
- Send informational letters to parents and guardians explaining:
- The support and resources available for children affected by ICE raids and deportations
- The school’s commitment to protecting student privacy and well-being
- Hold family meetings (in-person or virtual) to answer questions and provide updates.
- Offer materials in multiple languages to ensure all families understand the information.
Time Estimate: 1-2 days to prepare letters and materials; ongoing communication as needed.
Common Pitfalls:
– Using language that is too technical or frightening—keep explanations simple and age-appropriate.
– Not translating materials, which can leave some families uninformed.
Troubleshooting:
– If families express fear or confusion, offer one-on-one meetings with a trusted staff member or community liaison.
Step 4: Monitor and Support Students’ Well-Being
Purpose: Provide ongoing emotional and psychological support to children affected by ICE raids and deportations.
Actions:
- Check in regularly with students who may be impacted. Ask simple, caring questions like, “How are you feeling today?” or “Is there anything you want to talk about?”
- Offer access to counseling services through school-based programs or partnerships with local mental health providers.
- Encourage group support sessions where children can share experiences and feel less alone.
- Create calming spaces in schools or community centers where children can go if they feel overwhelmed.
Time Estimate: Ongoing; check-ins can be brief (5-10 minutes), while counseling sessions may last 30-60 minutes.
Common Pitfalls:
– Assuming children will ask for help—many will not speak up unless approached.
– Overlooking changes in behavior as “just acting out” rather than signs of trauma.
Troubleshooting:
– If a child resists counseling, offer alternative forms of support, such as art or play therapy.
Step 5: Coordinate with Community Resources
Purpose: Connect families and children with a network of support, including legal aid, mental health services, and advocacy groups.
Actions:
- Partner with local immigrant advocacy groups to provide legal information and representation for families facing deportation.
- Work with mental health organizations that specialize in supporting immigrant and refugee children.
- Share information about community resources (food banks, housing assistance, etc.) with families in need.
Time Estimate: 1-2 weeks to establish partnerships; ongoing coordination.
Common Pitfalls:
– Trying to provide all services in-house—leverage community expertise.
– Not keeping resource lists updated, which can lead to outdated or incorrect referrals.
Troubleshooting:
– If a family needs help that your organization cannot provide, refer them directly to a trusted partner.
Step 6: Maintain Confidentiality and Protect Privacy
Purpose: Safeguard children and families from further trauma, discrimination, or legal risk.
Actions:
- Keep all information about a student’s immigration status or family situation strictly confidential.
- Train staff on privacy policies and the importance of not sharing sensitive information.
- Limit access to records and only share details with those who need to know to provide support.
Time Estimate: Ongoing; review privacy policies annually.
Common Pitfalls:
– Accidentally sharing information with unauthorized staff or outside parties.
– Discussing sensitive cases in public areas where others might overhear.
Troubleshooting:
– If a breach occurs, notify affected families immediately and take steps to prevent future incidents.
Step 7: Advocate for Children’s Rights and Family Unity
Purpose: Work to prevent unnecessary family separations and protect the rights of immigrant children.
Actions:
- Connect families with legal aid organizations that can help fight deportations and keep families together.
- Support policies at the local, state, and national level that prioritize family unity and child welfare.
- Educate your community about the impact of ICE raids and deportations on children.
Time Estimate: Ongoing; advocacy efforts may require regular meetings and outreach.
Common Pitfalls:
– Believing that nothing can be done at the local level—community advocacy can make a real difference.
– Ignoring the voices of affected families and children.
Troubleshooting:
– If advocacy efforts stall, partner with larger organizations or coalitions for greater impact.
Step 8: Understand Child Welfare Procedures
Purpose: Know what happens to children when parents are detained or deported, and how to help ensure their safety and well-being.
Actions:
- Learn about Department of Human Services (DHS) procedures for placing children whose parents are detained. Children may be classified as homeless and placed with relatives or in foster care.
- Work with child welfare agencies to ensure children remain connected to family and community whenever possible.
- Help families prepare emergency plans (such as designating a trusted adult to care for children if parents are detained).
Time Estimate: 1-2 weeks to gather information and share with families.
Common Pitfalls:
– Not knowing who to contact at DHS or local child welfare agencies.
– Failing to help families make emergency plans before a crisis occurs.
Troubleshooting:
– If a child is placed in foster care, advocate for placement with relatives or within the child’s community whenever possible.
Step 9: Create Safe and Supportive Spaces
Purpose: Give children a place to feel calm and secure during times of stress.
Actions:
- Set up designated calming spaces in schools or community centers, such as a quiet room with soft lighting, books, and comforting items.
- Train staff to recognize when a child needs a break and how to guide them to these spaces.
- Encourage peer support by fostering a culture of kindness and inclusion.
Time Estimate: 1-2 days to set up spaces; ongoing use.
Common Pitfalls:
– Not maintaining the space or allowing it to become cluttered or noisy.
– Only using the space for discipline rather than support.
Troubleshooting:
– Regularly check in with children to see if the space meets their needs and make adjustments as needed.
Step 10: Review and Update Your Approach Regularly
Purpose: Ensure your support systems remain effective as policies and community needs change.
Actions:
- Hold regular meetings with staff and community partners to review what’s working and what needs improvement.
- Gather feedback from children and families about their experiences.
- Stay informed about changes in ICE enforcement, deportations, and immigration law by checking official sources like the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Statistics.
Time Estimate: Monthly or quarterly reviews.
Common Pitfalls:
– Becoming complacent or assuming needs will stay the same.
– Ignoring feedback from those most affected.
Troubleshooting:
– If new challenges arise, seek out additional training or resources from trusted organizations.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Ignoring emotional needs: Academic support is important, but children affected by ICE raids and deportations need emotional care first.
- Lack of preparation: Waiting until a crisis happens makes it harder to respond effectively. Prepare now.
- Poor communication: Families need clear, simple information in their own language.
- Not partnering with community resources: No single organization can do it all—work together for the best results.
- Breach of confidentiality: Always protect sensitive information to avoid further harm.
Troubleshooting Guide
- If a child shows signs of trauma (withdrawal, anger, sadness):
- Offer a safe space and a caring adult to talk to.
- Refer to counseling or mental health support.
- If families are afraid to engage:
- Use trusted community liaisons to build relationships.
- Reassure families about privacy and support.
- If staff feel overwhelmed:
- Provide additional training and peer support.
- Encourage self-care and team debriefs.
Quick Checklist Summary
Before ICE Raids or Deportations:
– [ ] Train all staff in trauma-informed care
– [ ] Develop and communicate a response plan
– [ ] Build partnerships with community resources
– [ ] Prepare clear, multilingual communication materials
– [ ] Help families create emergency care plans
During and After ICE Raids or Deportations:
– [ ] Check in regularly with affected students
– [ ] Offer counseling and group support
– [ ] Maintain confidentiality at all times
– [ ] Advocate for family unity and children’s rights
– [ ] Review and update support strategies regularly
Additional Resources
- ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Statistics – Official government data on ICE raids and deportations
- IDRA Guide on Supporting Children Impacted by ICE Raids – Practical advice for schools and caregivers
- Preparing for ICE Raids: A Guide for School-Community Partnerships (PDF) – Detailed planning guide for schools and communities
- Local legal aid and mental health providers (contact information varies by location)
Conclusion: Taking Action for Children’s Well-Being
The ongoing surge in ICE raids and deportations in the United States 🇺🇸 has created urgent needs for immigrant families and their children. By following these step-by-step instructions—grounded in trauma-informed care, clear communication, and strong community partnerships—you can help children cope with fear, loss, and uncertainty. As reported by VisaVerge.com, schools and community organizations are now more important than ever in providing safe spaces, emotional support, and practical resources for children affected by immigration enforcement.
Remember, every action you take—no matter how small—can help a child feel safer and more supported during these difficult times. Stay informed, stay prepared, and continue to advocate for the well-being and unity of immigrant families.
Learn Today
ICE Raids → Government operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to arrest and detain undocumented immigrants.
Trauma-Informed Care → An approach recognizing and responding to emotional trauma and stress in affected individuals.
Deportation → The formal removal of a person from a country, often leading to family separation.
Department of Human Services → A government agency handling child welfare, including foster care and protective services.
Confidentiality → Protecting private information about students, especially regarding immigration status, from unauthorized disclosure.
This Article in a Nutshell
The rise of 2025 ICE raids deeply impacts immigrant children facing trauma and separation. Schools must adopt trauma-informed training, clear communication, and community coordination to support these vulnerable students effectively and protect their emotional well-being amid ongoing immigration enforcement challenges.
— By VisaVerge.com
