California Today

Immigration crackdown fuels mental health crisis in LA

17 May 2026 09:38

A new report from Zocalo Health clinic in Los Angeles reveals a mental health crisis among immigrant families due to the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. - Over half of patients screened have severe anxiety, nearly three-quarters suffer depression, and 1 in 8 report suicidal thoughts.

- Patients feel helpless despite changing routines to avoid enforcement, with past traumas worsening. - Children in mixed-documentation families face chronic stress, with parental deportation linked to higher PTSD risk.

- The effects include physical symptoms like headaches and behavioral changes in children. The clinic continues to provide care through community health workers as families go into hiding.

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AugustLos AngelesKing CityhealthpoliticsimmigrationLos Angeles CountyWarning