Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) appreciates the CT Mirror’s reporting on how immigration enforcement is affecting the health and well-being of Connecticut residents. The data highlighted in the article reflects what many providers, educators, and community organizations are witnessing firsthand: fear and uncertainty can have real and lasting impacts on both mental and physical health.
While anxiety can sometimes stem from uncertainty or worry about the unknown, concerns about immigration enforcement are very real for many people. For some communities, this has led to heightened vigilance, such as carrying documentation at all times or limiting time in public spaces.
The American Immigration Council reports that detention numbers grew by over 75% in a single year. Other data indicates a 91% increase in the number of facilities being used. In mid-December, ICE detention held 68,440 people, nearly 75% without criminal convictions, including children. Reporting from The Marshall Project indicates that at least 3,800 children have entered ICE detention since President Trump took office last year, underscoring the scale of family and community impact.
As the CT Mirror reports, many individuals are self-isolating for fear of immigration enforcement. Self-isolation and chronic anxiety can lead not only to missed medical care, school, or work, but also to profound loneliness and depression. Research has found that the health impact of chronic loneliness can be comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, underscoring how serious social isolation can be for overall well-being. Depression, in turn, is associated with reduced daily functioning, difficulty maintaining employment or relationships, and increased risk of other health conditions.
Mental Health Connecticut President & CEO Luis B. Pérez, LCSW, shares, “When people are afraid to leave their homes, seek care, or send their children to school, that fear takes a real toll on both mental and physical health. At Mental Health Connecticut, we believe wellness begins in environments where people feel safe and respected. Our role is to meet the human experience with compassion and to affirm that everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue wellness.”
At MHC, we view mental health as inseparable from overall health and community well-being. Our mission is to partner with individuals, families, and communities to create environments that support long-term health and wellness. This includes promoting access to care, reducing stigma, and helping people feel safe seeking support when they need it.
Regardless of background, feeling safe enough to access healthcare, education, and community resources is foundational to well-being. We encourage anyone experiencing stress, fear, or anxiety to explore the resources below. Support can make a meaningful difference.
Explore Supportive Mental Health Resources
- Immigrants Rising
Shares mental health resources specifically for undocumented individuals, with guidance grounded in lived experience and community care. The Crisis Text Line is anonymous, 24/7, and available in English and Spanish. (Text HOME or HOLA to 741-741) - Coalition for Immigrant Mental Health Resources
Founded in 2016, the Coalition for Immigrant Mental Health (CIMH) brings together activists, educators, immigrants, and practitioners to strengthen collective capacity and advance the mental health and well-being of immigrants and refugees, grounded in an understanding of systemic and structural inequities. Make a CIMH Wellness Postcard.
All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The ILRC’s red cards give examples of how people can exercise these rights.
OCAD Chicago’s package helps families plan for emergencies like ICE detention or sudden illness.
Information for immigrants and allies on rights and risks when participating in protests.
NNIRR has gathered a list of national, state and local Immigration Hotlines. See their list for hotlines where you can: report raids in your area, seek help if being detained or at risk of being deported, and report missing migrants.
- Mental Health America
Offers culturally responsive mental health resources for Latine and Hispanic communities, including education, tools, and ways to find support. - 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Provides free, confidential emotional support 24/7 for anyone experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis. Call or text 988 to connect with a trained counselor, or access live chat via the 988 Lifeline website. - MHC’s Art of Wellbeing Studio
With support from The Hartford, Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) has partnered with Hispanic Health Council to offer its Art of Wellbeing program at the Family Wellness Center. MHC’s Art of Wellbeing weaves together an introduction to the arts with mental health coping skills and resources. We offer free art workshops, along with open studio time. Location: Hispanic Health Council Family Wellness Center, 590 Park Street, Lower Level B, Hartford, CT 06106
