ICE deportations of immigrant parents trigger mental health crisis for U.S. children

ICE officials deported Saúl Zermeño, a 45‑year‑old father with deferred‑action status, after a routine check‑in in Los Angeles. His 15‑year‑old son, Damian, was left alone in the United States, describing his reaction: “I thought it wasn’t true… I didn’t want to leave. I didn’t even want to eat.”

The case exemplifies a broader pattern affecting an estimated hundreds of thousands of U.S.‑citizen children whose parents are removed by immigration enforcement. Mental‑health professionals report increased anxiety, depression, post‑traumatic stress, speech delays and even suicidal thoughts among these youths. “You can just see it in their faces; it’s almost like the light has been dimmed in their eyes,” said Rev. Tanya Lopez, who works with immigrant families.

ICE maintains that it does not separate families, yet a report by the Women’s Refugee Commission and Physicians for Human Rights found that detainees are often not asked whether they have children or provided safeguards for those left behind. The long‑term health risks include heightened chances of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.