Advocates warn that federal immigration enforcement policies are putting hundreds of children in Texas at risk of long-term emotional and developmental harm.
SAN ANTONIO — Child welfare advocates and community leaders say federal immigration enforcement policies are placing hundreds of children in Texas at risk of long-term emotional and developmental harm.
The nonprofit Children at Risk will address the issue during a virtual press conference Wednesday morning, pointing to recent reports that hundreds of immigrant children have been held in federal custody across Texas for extended periods, in some cases 168 days or longer.
Advocates say prolonged detention exposes children to toxic stress and emotional trauma while doing little to improve public safety.
“Children need safety and stability. Detaining children is not only harmful — it’s unnecessary,” said Dr. Bob Sanborn, president and CEO of Children at Risk. “These environments increase anxiety, depression and trauma, while failing to improve public safety.”
Experts warn that detention facilities often use inadequate mental health screening tools, leaving serious psychological needs untreated. Studies also show that family separation and immigration-related enforcement can lead to chronic anxiety, behavioral changes and symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Children at Risk and partner organizations are calling on federal leaders to stop placing children in ICE custody and instead expand community-based programs that ensure compliance with immigration proceedings while protecting child well-being.
The press conference is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday and will be streamed live on the organization’s Facebook page.