ICE Raids & Your Child's Mental Health: NYC Resources
What if your child is too anxious to leave the house — and you don't know where to turn? For hundreds of immigrant families in New York City, that fear is already real. A Portland State University researcher surveyed more than 500 Latino families and found that many have stopped going to public spaces altogether because of immigration enforcement.
What if the deadline for protecting your child's mental health has already passed you by? It hasn't — but the stress is building fast. Susana Beltrán-Grimm, an assistant professor of applied developmental psychology at Portland State University, has been studying how families with children ages 1–10 are coping under the current administration. Her preliminary findings: widespread anxiety, fear, and changed daily routines. Many parents said they avoid parks, community events, and other places their children used to enjoy.
The American Psychological Association has documented that immigrants face higher rates of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder than the general population. Enforcement crackdowns make this worse — not just for parents, but for young children who pick up on their parents' fear. Beltrán-Grimm says play is one of the most powerful tools families have. "[Play] is something that families use as a way, not to distract the children but to make them feel calm and comforted, to reduce stress, and to have a sense of dignity as a family," she said. Some parents in her survey teach their children games from their own childhoods as a way to bond and preserve culture.
Immigration Deadlines 2026 — Free
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Safe Spaces in NYC
New York City public schools do not allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on their premises. A law signed by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul in May 2026 also bars ICE from entering hospitals, libraries, shelters, community centers, child care centers, public parks, and polling locations without a warrant. That means many everyday spaces remain accessible to your family. The Summer in NYC website, Queens Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and New York Public Library all offer programming and events. Schools also run after-school activities you can find through the NYC Department of Education.
If your child is struggling, New York City schools offer counselors, faculty mentors for middle and high school students, and Teenspace — free online therapy for teenagers. Outside of schools, several organizations serve immigrant families directly: Voces Latinas in Jackson Heights at (718) 593-4528; Queens College Psychological Center (QCPC) at (718) 570-0500; and St. John's University Center for Psychological Services at (718) 990-1900. For a mental health emergency at any hour, call or text 988 — the hotline is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
What to Do
- Talk to your child's teacher or principal about school counselors, faculty mentors, and the free Teenspace online therapy program for teens.
- Contact Voces Latinas at (718) 593-4528, QCPC at (718) 570-0500, or St. John's University at (718) 990-1900 for community mental health services.
- In a crisis, call or text 988 any time — day or night — for mental health support.
- Know your rights in public: you may calmly ask if you are free to go, remain silent, and refuse to be searched if approached by ICE outside a protected space.
Fishkin Law Firm, New York
From an immigration attorney's perspective, knowing which spaces are legally protected from ICE entry is critical for families making daily decisions. The May 2026 New York State law creates enforceable protections at hospitals, libraries, shelters, and parks — ICE cannot enter those locations without a warrant, and you have the right to ask to see one. If ICE approaches you in a public space, you are not required to answer questions about your immigration status. Consulting an immigration attorney can help you prepare a family safety plan that accounts for your specific legal situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ICE come into my child's school in New York City?
No. New York City public schools do not allow ICE on their premises and do not cooperate with immigration enforcement. Your child can attend school safely.
Which public places are protected from ICE in New York State?
A law signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in May 2026 bars ICE from entering hospitals, libraries, shelters, community centers, child care centers, public parks, and polling locations without a warrant.
Where can I find free or low-cost mental health care for my child in NYC?
Start with your child's school — ask about counselors, faculty mentors, or the free Teenspace online therapy for teens. You can also call Voces Latinas at (718) 593-4528, QCPC at (718) 570-0500, or St. John's University at (718) 990-1900. For emergencies, call or text 988 anytime.
What can I do at home to help my child cope with stress from immigration enforcement?
Research by Portland State University's Susana Beltrán-Grimm shows that play is one of the most effective tools. Games, family activities, and cultural traditions help children feel calm, loved, and secure — even during difficult times.