Be Prepared: Critical Resources for When You or Loved Ones Are Taken by Immigration ICE

There has been a need to create resources to help those understand their rights and be prepared for not just if, but when you are taken or a loved one or friend, by immigration ice. Remember, it is not a matter of if it will happen, but when. Be prepared.

​Recently, a close friend reached out to me about her husband, a U.S. citizen, who was illegally taken, kidnapped by ICE while he was in a suit going to his office. This has left her and their three children, aged 4, 7, and 10, devastated. It is heartbreaking and disgraceful that any country would do this to anyone, and even someone who is educated, employed, contributes positively to the community, and cares deeply for their family and others.

---

Having someone you love taken away creates a profound emotional impact, not just for those directly involved but for everyone who cares about them. On the first day of the kidnapping, I spent most of the night first-hand experiencing the fear, anger, and deep sorrow in the surviving parent, and the traumatic impacts in the children, tears, outbursts, and clinginess as they clench onto me, not wanting me to ever leave. Their hopes and dreams are shattered, replaced with trauma and fear.

To make matters worse, while her husband was able to make a phone call, they explained they are held in deplorable conditions, three days so far with only sips of water from a cup, and no food, confined in a cramped space with over 30 others, with little communication. All they could hear was a distant promise of “maybe a burrito tomorrow,” which never comes. He remains in a small chair 24/7 due to the crowded conditions, and his family lives in constant worry.

---

This experience highlights the urgent need for everyone to be prepared. Do you know what to do when you are taken? Do you have a backup plan or someone who can intervene? Have you prepared resources or plans for your children or loved ones? That is why I have developed these resources. Do not wait until you are taken. Be prepared.

It is crucial to know how to care for yourself and support your children emotionally  when this situation occurs

Are you familiar with strategies for supporting your child's mental health, helping them cope with fear and trauma, and fostering resilience? I have included activities like the “Parent Animal” Comfort Activity and letter-writing exercises to help children express their feelings and process what they are experiencing. After creating these, the self-care among the parents continues, but these resources have helped tremendously. In addition, the child resources have improved each child’s ability to express feelings, learn to cope with fear and sorrow, and give them the tools to improve their ability to cope more healthily. Hearing the children laughing and playing, while taking time (still able to talk with their father, which is a positive), to write to their father about what they are doing and notes to provide for when he comes home.

Being prepared is not just about safety; it is also about ensuring emotional well-being and peace of mind for your family. Please take the time to learn these important steps today.