PROTECTING CHILDREN AMID FEAR AND UNCERTAINTY
- CYS Communications Team
- Jun 25
- 2 min read
In recent weeks, families across our community have been deeply impacted by intensifying immigration enforcement activity. At CYS, we’ve seen firsthand how these actions—particularly when carried out in abrupt or opaque ways—are causing real harm to the young people we serve.
We want to be clear: this is not about political sides. CYS is a non-partisan organization. We don’t weigh in on immigration policy debates—but we do take a strong stance on the wellbeing of children. We believe public systems must operate with fairness, clarity, and respect for the law. And we believe the safety and emotional security of youth should never be collateral damage in policy implementation. We’re hearing from kids who are afraid to go to school. Parents are afraid to leave their homes. A 19-year-old recently told her mother, “Promise me you won’t leave the house without your passport.” This is not an abstract fear—it’s real, and it’s growing.
We’re also seeing children left behind during enforcement operations—sometimes stranded, sometimes separated from parents for days. These aren’t isolated incidents; they’re creating lasting trauma. Regardless of where someone stands on immigration law, we must agree that children deserve protection, care, and consistency. Our values remain constant: respect, fairness, responsibility, and compassion. We encourage all adults—whether in advocacy, law enforcement, or simply living in community—to ensure that any policies and procedures are carried out with transparency and humanity. Let’s remember that our youth are watching. They learn what justice looks like by what they see modeled.
We also urge families to talk with children honestly, offer reassurance, and create safety plans. Clear information helps young people feel grounded, even in uncertain times. You can find tips here: 👉 How to talk to kids about ICE and immigration .
Finally, we want to recognize and thank our incredible CYS case managers. They continue to show up every day—delivering groceries, distributing mini-grants, offering counseling and crisis support, and helping families remain safe and stable. If you or anyone in your community need support, please check out or share the following resources:
Comments