The Impact of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Actions ("ICE Raids") on NJ Migrant Communities and Health Care Access
Policy Brief
February 22, 2025
Summary
- Overview: The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is responsible for identifying, arresting, and deporting individuals in the U.S. who are in violation of immigration laws. This policy brief examines the health impacts of ICE's actions on immigrant communities.
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Key Findings:
- ICE actions have an unequal effect on vulnerable populations, including children, workers, and families, leading to significant health consequences.
- Public health outcomes have been negatively impacted, with increased stress and fear among immigrant communities contributing to poorer mental and physical health.
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Policy Recommendations:
- Strengthening access to legal services
- Advocate for targeted immigration enforcement policies that prioritize individuals with criminal records and national security concerns.
- Collaborate with community leaders and legal services to advocate for the block of ending extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for migrant groups.
Introduction
- Background: ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) is responsible for apprehending and removing individuals from the U.S. who are in violation of immigration laws. ERO actions include workplace raids, home arrests, and detentions.
- Problem Statement: ERO operations create controversy due to their impact on immigrant communities, including fear of deportation, family separations, and heightened vulnerability to being exploited.
Scope of the Issue
Current Situation:
- Between 2021 and 2024, ERO is projected to have deported over 270,000 individuals, with over 21% having no criminal convictions. These actions are often carried out in immigrant-heavy communities, disrupting local economies and social structures.
- In previous years, migrants from Mexico and Central America have been targeted. However, Trump's Administration is looking to end the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for migrants, including Haitian immigrants, meaning that many will become undocumented and at-risk for deportation.
- The current Trump Administration has quickly focused on increasing deportation, including ending a policy that restricted Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents' ability to arrest undocumented people at or near sensitive locations, including houses of worship, schools and hospitals.
- As of January 2025, ICE raids have occurred in NJ cities including Newark, Paterson, Elizabeth, Morristown, and Perth Amboy.
Demographics Affected:
- In New Jersey, there are over two million immigrant residents, that's about 23% of the state's population. Regardless of whether immigrants hold legal status, the fear of being targeted and discriminated against creates tension among a vulnerable population.
Impact Analysis
Public Health Impacts:
Mental Health
Increased stress and anxiety among immigrants, especially in families fearing deportation, contribute to higher levels of depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Physical Health
There is fear of accessing healthcare services due to ICE raids that discourage undocumented individuals and individuals holding Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from seeking necessary medical attention, exacerbating chronic conditions, limiting preventive care and access to emergency services.
Community Health
Public health agencies and community-based organizations report potential lower participation in public health education and public support programs among migrants due to public concerns over immigration enforcement.
Policy Advocacy
Option 1: Promote Local Government Cooperation and Health Services Access
Pro
Collaboration between local governments and public health services to reduce the negative health impacts of ICE actions supports better care for immigrant communities.
Con
May create tensions between local government and federal agencies; concerns about legal restrictions in "sanctuary" areas.
Option 2: Expand Work Opportunities and Protections
Pro
Push for policies that create pathways for immigrants to access legal work opportunities, fair wages, and workplace protections (e.g., against exploitation or unsafe working conditions). Critical conversations in the current NJ legislature surround the continued advocacy of the Immigrant Trust Directive policy established in 2018, and support for development or expansion of similar policies.
Con
Enforcing fair working conditions is difficult. Many immigrants, especially those who are newly arrived or undocumented, may fear backlash from employers if they report unsafe working conditions or wage theft.
Lakay Acces Sante Recommendations
Strengthen Access to Legal Services
Advocate for expanding access to free or low-cost legal services for immigrants, especially those navigating asylum, family reunification, or citizenship processes.
- Collaborate with legal services community organizations to support and host educational workshops for immigrants.
Advocate for Protections of Immigrant Families
- Collaborate with local policymakers to advocate for legislative measures to prevent family separations during deportation actions, including policies to ensure that minors and families are treated with greater care during enforcement procedures.
Promote Health Access for Immigrant Communities
- Create pathways for immigrants to access healthcare services and resources without fear of deportation.
- Collaborate with community organizations and community leaders to bring health services and resources into the community.