How To Talk To You Kids About ICE Raids According To Latinx Therapists
In the heart of Los Angeles, where vibrant Latino communities have built lives, businesses, and dreams, the looming threat of ICE raids and mass deportations has cast a heavy shadow. For many families, especially those with mixed immigration statuses, fear has become part of daily life—and children are not immune. They overhear whispers, see the news, or sense their parents’ stress. So how do we talk to them about what’s happening without creating more anxiety? Latinx therapists say it starts with honesty, compassion, and culturally rooted communication. Here are their recommendations on how to approach these tough conversations with care.
1. Do your homework
Before the actual conversation be sure you understand the context, writes Resilient Therapy Center on an Instagram post. Write bullet points on what you want to say and what are the main points you want your child to walk away with. The Los Angeles based therapy center also recommends tailoring your conversation to your child’s age and maturity level so they walk away with a clear understanding of the situation.
2. Tell the truth, gently
Family therapist Luis Cornejo recommends sharing the information softly, without sugar coating. Instead of brushing off feelings of anxiety by saying “don’t worry about it,” Luis advises saying something like “There are people who don’t think families like ours belong here. That’s not okay. There are many people working to protect us and we have a place to keep you safe.” This structure shares the reality that unfortunately there are people who are working to deport families but it also shares the reassurance and safety that the child’s own family is doing what it can to keep the child safe. This ultimately creates more trust among families.
Resilient Therapy shares that it is equally important to explain common terms that are being used by adults or media such as ICE and immigration. This will fill out holes or questions the child may have.
3. Make a family safety plan
After sharing with your child that you are doing what you can to make sure your family is safe, it is important to follow through with that plan so trust isn’t broken. Family therapist Luis Cornejo recommends involving your child in creating the plan. This will help your child see the thought process on why certain decisions are made and will empower them to think critically during situations that need problem solving.
4. Validate feelings
Feeling safe for a child also means having space to express their emotions without being dismissed. Create space for your child to express their feelings and worries about ICE and immigration, writes Resilient Therapy Center. Luis Cornejo recommends instead of saying “don’t be scared” you can let them know you understand why they are scared and even offer similarities in your feelings by saying that sometimes you feel that way too. Reassurance and support lets your child know they are safe with you and you support them.
5. Use movement to release anxiety
While you may not recognize this, but humans process and carry their emotions in their bodies—especially children. Sometimes we need movement to shake off the stress we’re holding. Invite your child to express themselves through dance, song, sport or even art to help their nervous system release what words can’t, says Luis Cornejo. Latinx Therapy also recommends working on breathing exercises with your child or hugging a stuffed animal to reassure them that it is okay to feel.
For more Latinx therapist recommendations on how to talk to your child when the world feels heavy, watch the video below:
