How fear of ICE impacts Arizona immigrant families and where to find help

Versión en español

Amid increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Arizona and nationwide, community organizations and health centers are seeing a rise in anxiety, insomnia, depression and emotional crises among immigrant families.

From workplace raids to neighborhood operations, the climate of uncertainty surrounding President Donald Trump's immigration policy is having an impact that transcends the legal realm and affects the mental health of thousands of people.

At the same time, federal Medicaid cuts could weaken the support network that currently sustains many of these families.

Health professionals in metro Phoenix describe families arriving for consultations with symptoms of chronic stress after witnessing a raid, receiving job threats related to I-9 audits or simply due to the constant fear of detention.

“We have many people and families coming to us right now because of all the tension, pressure and fear that is spreading,” a staff member at a federally qualified health center, who preferred to remain anonymous due to the pressure the current administration has placed on health centers, explained to La Campesina.

Community centers continue to provide care, but face pressure

Federally qualified health centers are required to offer culturally competent services and treat patients regardless of their immigration status. In the Valley, all of them offer mental and behavioral health services.

However, new federal policies related to the use of public funds for services for undocumented immigrants have generated concern and ongoing litigation, creating an atmosphere of caution among providers. Furthermore, the proposed Medicaid cuts in the legislative package known as the “Big Beautiful Bill” could deepen the crisis. 

The law, signed by Trump on July 4, 2025, includes cuts of more than $1 trillion to federally funded health programs, like Medicaid, over the next decade.

In Arizona, rural hospitals could lose up to $1.2 billion over the next 10 years, according to the National Rural Health Association, as several hospitals — Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center, Page Hospital, Winslow Memorial Hospital and others — are at risk of closing.

Many mental health services in Arizona rely on Medicaid reimbursements (AHCCCS). If those funds decrease, available appointments could be reduced, wait times could increase, community-based preventative programs could be cut and access for low-income families could be limited.

AHCCCS currently covers more than 2.1 million people in the state. A significant reduction would affect not only immigrants but also children, seniors and people with disabilities.

Where to find support in the Phoenix area

Health organizations warn that early mental health intervention can prevent major crises. Immigration fears, combined with economic instability and potential loss of access to healthcare, can have a cumulative impact.

If you or someone you know is experiencing anxiety, stress or depression related to the current immigration climate, these organizations offer mental and behavioral health services regardless of immigration status:

• Adelante Healthcare

• Valle del Sol

• Neighborhood Outreach Access to Health (NOAH)

• Mountain Park Health Center

• Terros Health

These centers offer culturally competent care and have services available in Spanish.

In case of an immediate mental health crisis, you can also call or text 988, the national crisis prevention hotline. 

In case of a medical emergency, you can call 911.