Ramirez, Salinas Lead Call to Recognize Impacts of Unlawful Immigration Enforcement on Communities’ Mental Health

Washington, DC-Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03),member of the Homeland Security Committee and the Mental Health Caucus, and Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Chair of the Mental Health Caucus, introduced a resolution recognizing the impact of the Trump Administrations' immigration enforcement tactics on the mental health of immigrant individuals, their families, and their community.

The resolution also condemns President Trump and his administration, including Kristi Noem, Tom Homan, and Stephen Miller, for carrying out physically and psychologically harmful policies. While urging Congress to hold the administration accountable, members of Congress demand that the Department of Health and Human Services collaborate with nonprofits to expand culturally comprehensive mental health services to impacted communities.

"Trump and Secretary Noem are abusing the Department of Homeland Security to terrorize our immigrant communities. Men in masks, arrests without valid warrants, and no certainty of due process are all tactics that put everyone in harm's way, undermine the rule of law, and create fear, trauma, and chaos," said Congresswoman Ramirez."Their actions contribute to widespread feelings of depression and anxiety among immigrants, their families, and their community. That is why I am proud to have introduced this resolution with my colleague Congresswoman Salinas to ensure Congress makes it clear that our communities are suffering at the hands of an out-of-control Administration and their terror force."

"Across the country, the Trump Administration has instructed Immigration and Customs Enforcement to racially profile, intimidate, and detain our Latino and immigrant communities. As a result, young children are missing school, parents are missing work, and families are living in fear due to the threat of deportation or, worse, separation from their loved ones," said Rep. Salinas. "These targeted orders from the Trump Administration are causing unnecessary stress, depression, and anxiety within our immigrant communities, and they must end. I am proud to support this resolution recognizing the negative mental health impacts of President Trump's blatant immigration overreach."

According to the American Sociological Association, family separation caused by incarceration can be more detrimental to children's health, behavior, and academic achievement than parental death or divorce. Studiesalso find that children impacted by deportation proceedings display higher rates of depression, anxiety, and academic withdrawal.

The resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), André Carson (IN-07), Yvette Clarke (NY-11), Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At-Large), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

For the full text of the resolution, CLICK HERE.