The report, published in Psychiatric News, was authored by mental health professionals in the UCR School of Medicine. They argue that the worksite raids and arrests during federal immigration enforcement operations are causing a public health emergency for millions of kids.
Researchers go on to suggest that being separated from a caregiver can elevate the risk of suicidal thoughts and alcohol use in adolescents. They say it can also cause anxiety attacks and changes in behavior, sleep and appetite. In young children, abrupt caregiver loss has been linked to sleep and appetite disturbances, emotional dysregulation and developmental regression, the study says.
Even the threat of separation can generate emotional harm, the authors say. Some children live with chronic anticipatory anxiety that a loved one could be detained or deported, which can lead to school absenteeism, academic disengagement and heightened emotional distress.
Last week, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined education leaders from LAUSD schools to highlight strategies to keep kids safe. She said neither LAPD nor school police are sharing information with federal agencies conducting immigration enforcement. City Departments and schools have also been advised to strengthen protocols and training to prepare for federal activity.
L.A. Unified School District Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said that the district prepared a family preparedness packet to be distributed across the entire school district.
The packet includes know-your-rights information, the contact number for the district's compassion fund, emergency contact updates and a way to provide information about the student in the event they have to go into the care of someone else, Carvalho said.
Carvalho also confirmed the creation of a safe passage for students, which will see the addition of more bus routes.
