ICE Raids, Student Anxiety, and the Rise of Youth Activism

Written by: Marilyn Ortiz-Chavez and Jaelyn Sanchez

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids have become a defining and deeply divisive issue in many parts of the United States. While these operations are officially sanctioned to enforce federal immigration laws and target undocumented immigrants, their implementation has sent ripples of instability through immigrant communities nationwide. While ICE maintains that these raids are a necessary component of law enforcement, a growing number of critics argue that the practice serves primarily to instill fear and forcibly separate families.

ICE agents detaining a man next to Roosevelt High School during dismissal in Minnesota.

Beyond the political debate over enforcement, the emotional impact on the nation’s youth has become a central concern. Many teenagers report that the presence of ICE in their neighborhoods creates a climate of persistent fear and anxiety. For students who worry about their families being torn apart, this stress directly undermines their ability to focus in school and feel safe in their own communities. Consequently, many students and advocates believe that schools must do more to support immigrant families—whether by providing legal resources or publicly opposing policies that jeopardize student well-being.

This sense of urgency has sparked a surge in activism among teenagers between the ages of

14 and 18. A notable example occurred in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as reported by Jack

Springgate, where hundreds of high school students staged a massive walkout. The students marched a half-mile through the downtown area to the city’s federal building to protest ICE operations both locally and across the country (pictured on the right). This movement isn't isolated; students in various districts are increasingly taking a stand, often because they feel their local institutions and communities have remained silent on the issue.

The high stakes of these enforcement actions were recently illustrated by a case involving a five-year-old boy and his father. As reported by Al Jazeera, the pair was detained by ICE but was eventually allowed to return home to Minnesota after a federal judge ordered their release.

As the conversation around immigration continues to evolve, the focus is shifting toward the broader consequences of these raids. For many, the issue is no longer just about policy, but about the mental health of students and the stability of the communities they call home.

Various UCLA students protesting against ICE raids.