Damage to their psyche
Yolanda Mendez, 12, stands between her parents, America Milian and Santiago Mendez, who was arrested by immigration agents during a traffic stop last year. After his arrest, Yolanda and her 7-year-old brother began sleeping in their mothers bed and didnt want to go to school. Mendez was released on bond after several weeks, but Yolanda said his detention was unfair to her and her brother. Its painful to us when they take our parents away from us, she said. Its wrong. As federal officials step up immigration enforcement, mental health professionals, teachers and immigrant rights advocates are raising concerns about the impact on U.S. citizen children. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Yesenia Rangel, 12, of Compton cries as she talks about how she has been affected by immigration enforcement. When her father was detained for three weeks, Yesenia a U.S. citizen by birth said her grades dropped and she could barely sleep. I thought, Im never going to see my dad again, she said. Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma) recently held a hearing on the consequences of immigration raids on children. The administration must take the necessary steps to ensure these raids are conducted in a humane fashion and they are protective to kids, not harmful, she said. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Maria Ramos comforts her daughter Yesenia Rangel, whose father, Bulmaro Rangel, recently was arrested by immigration agents. Even after her father was released on bond, Yesenia said she still worries that agents are going to return. What if immigration comes back for my mom? she said. Whats going to happen to us? (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Tears roll down Yolanda Mendez’s cheek as the 12-year-old talks about how her life has been affected by immigration enforcement. The National Council of La Raza released a report last year that found many children were left to fend for themselves after their parents were detained. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, however, said they strike a balance between enforcing the law and any humanitarian issues that arise during enforcement. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
