In 2026 alone, at least eight people have died while in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody: Luis Gustavo Núñez Cáceres (TX), Geraldo Lunas Campos (TX), Víctor Manuel Díaz (TX), Parady La (PA), Renee Nicole Good (MN), Luis Beltrán Yáñez–Cruz (CA), Heber Sánchez Domínguez (GA), and Alex Pretti (MN). We honor the lives of those lost and extend our deepest condolences and compassion to all those affected, recognizing that grief, shock, and concern often remain long after headlines fade. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the mental health resources below. Support is available, and it can make a life-saving difference.
Luis B. Pérez, President & CEO of Mental Health Connecticut, connected with Shannah Mulvihill, MA, CFRE, Executive Director & CEO of Mental Health Minnesota, to hear firsthand about the impact in Minnesota. Shannah shared, “This has been an incredibly difficult time in Minnesota, as reports of aggressive ICE activity, racial profiling, and the use of force against peaceful protesters continue to grow. Videos and firsthand accounts describe intimidation, violence, and attempts to suppress those documenting what is happening. Recent tragedies have been followed by premature narrative-shaping and limited cooperation with investigations, eroding public trust and increasing community tension.”
Shannah continues “Despite the pain, grief, and fear, peaceful vigils were held across the Twin Cities metro area on Saturday night, a display of hope and strength. In Minnesota right now, I see people fighting against hatred with love and support for our neighbors. I see them fighting against fear and intimidation with bravery and hope. I see them fighting against threats of retribution with cries for peace. I am proud of our state and especially of the team at Mental Health Minnesota, whose commitment, alongside support from Mental Health America and affiliates nationwide, including Mental Health Connecticut, helps sustain care, resilience, and hope during this turbulent time.”
Since August, Mental Health Connecticut has issued four responses to acts of extreme violence, acknowledging the emotional impact of repeated violence and the lasting ripple effects of trauma on individuals, families, and communities. Repeated exposure to violence can deeply affect mental health over time, sometimes leading to emotional numbness. While this can serve as a short-term coping response, it can also erode our empathy, our ability to grieve fully, and our collective resolve to advocate for meaningful change. These responses are human, and they reflect how deeply such events can weigh on our hearts and minds over time.
MHC’s mission is to partner with individuals, families, and communities to create environments that support long-term health and well-being. When violence becomes normalized, that foundation is put at risk. We encourage everyone to choose non-violence, to seek mental health support when needed, and to care for neighbors, friends, and loved ones with compassion. We also invite people to approach differing viewpoints with curiosity and respect rather than judgment or division, recognizing that empathy, dialogue, and understanding are essential to building bridges and strengthening communities.
Just one month into 2026, our hope is for a year marked by connection, care, and communities showing up for one another’s well-being. We are inspired by the compassion and solidarity we continue to see in Minnesota and across the country during these difficult times.
Resources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – The Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Support is also available via live chat at 988lifeline.org.
- Mental Health America’s Crisis Resource Center offers tools and information to help individuals navigate distress related to violence, discrimination, identity-based harm, or global events.
- Mental Health Minnesota encourages Minnesota residents to contact the Minnesota Warmline, a peer support line available statewide seven days a week. Call 855-WARMLINE, text “support” to 85511, or visit www.mentalhealthmn.org.
- Disaster Distress Hotline – This helpline, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), provides immediate counseling for people affected by any disaster or tragedy. Call 1-800-985-5990 to connect with a trained professional from the closest crisis counseling center within the network.
