The Issue
Amid increased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity across the United States, the findings show widespread concern about enforcement in 2025 both immigrants and nonimmigrants. Among those aware of local enforcement activities, concern was highest among adults in immigrant families (71%), but more than one in three adults in nonimmigrant families (36%), in which all members are U.S.-born, reported worrying about interacting with ICE or other immigration authorities.
Key Findings
- Nearly half of all U.S. adults (46%) who reported immigration enforcement activities in their communities said they worried that they or a family member could be approached by immigration authorities.
- Concerns were especially pronounced within communities of color. Half of all Hispanic adults (48%) reported fear about being approached by immigration officials, along with 18% of Black adults and 31% of adults from other races, including Native Americans, Asians, and Pacific Islanders.
- The analysis showed that about one in six people who were aware of ICE activity in their community said they personally knew someone who was taken into custody, detained, or deported.
Conclusion
Researchers and RWJF experts say that hyper-charged immigration enforcement in U.S. cities can negatively affect entire communities, not just immigrants and immigrant families. “When people are afraid, the health and wellbeing of entire communities are affected,” says Katherine Hempstead, senior policy adviser at RWJF.
About the Author/Grantee
Researchers and RWJF experts say that hyper-charged immigration enforcement can negatively affect entire communities, not just immigrants and immigrant families. “When people are afraid, the health and wellbeing of entire communities are affected,” says Katherine Hempstead, senior policy adviser at RWJF.
About the Author/Grantee:
The nonprofit Urban Institute is dedicated to elevating the debate on social and economic policy. For nearly five decades, Urban scholars have conducted research and offered evidence-based solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities across a rapidly urbanizing world. Their objective research helps expand opportunities for all, reduce hardship among the most vulnerable, and strengthen the effectiveness of the public sector. Visit the Urban Institute’s Health Policy Division for more information specific to its staff and its recent research.
