Baltimore City Council hears testimony from students on ICE impact on families and schools
Baltimore City Council hears testimony from students on ICE impact on families and schools
Baltimore City students testified before a City Council committee during its second hearing on the effects of Immigration and Customs Enforcement on children and families, following a resolution passed in December to monitor ICE enforcement and its impact.
One student, Kimberly, recounted her experience, saying, "My family and I were stopped by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, an encounter that led to the deportation of my grandpa, aunt, and my aunt's boyfriend."
Councilman Mark Parker, D-District 1, emphasized the widespread impact of these encounters.
"It ripples across all of our young people, but it’s especially impactful for those most at risk, either because of their legal situation or because of the way they look," Parker said.
City Schools presented data showing an 8.1% decrease in end-of-year enrollment among multilingual learners last year compared to the previous year. Testimony also highlighted the mental health effects on students, who live with the fear of not knowing if or when their friends or loved ones might be deported.
Dr. Sarah Polk, a pediatrician, addressed the mental health consequences, saying, "The consequences will manifest in more children with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress syndrome."
Kimberly described the lasting impact of her family’s encounter with ICE.
"After the encounter, I became increasingly anxious and aware of my surroundings. I constantly checked on my parents and worried about their safety, reliving the events of that day," Kimberly said.
Another student, Dilene, shared her perspective on the fear children experience.
"Children should never be terrified of coming out of their houses," she told the committee. "They should not be scared of their own community. They should not be terrified of their own schools."
Councilman Parker said the council plans to hold additional hearings in the future and draft legislation as needed to address the issue.