In January 2025, the federal government announced the largest mass deportation in our country’s history. This was followed in the Fall of 2025 by a significant increase in immigration enforcement activities and in the number of immigration enforcement officers deployed in communities.
In this fact sheet, we draw on data from parents and child care providers nationally who participated in RAPID surveys between September 2025 and December 2025. Specifically, we report on responses to questions about experiences of families and caregivers as federal immigration enforcement activities increased in communities across the country.
In addition to analyzing data for the sample as a whole, we also look at differences across respondents’ immigration status. For this analysis, we define immigrants as those born outside the U.S. or born in the U.S. to parents born outside of the U.S.; we define non-immigrants as those born in the U.S. to parents also born in the U.S.
More than a third of caregivers of young children are noticing impacts of immigration enforcement activities in their community
We asked parents: “Have you noticed any impacts of immigration enforcement activities on young children and adults in your community?”
More than one in three parents surveyed (36%) noticed impacts of immigration enforcement activities in their community. These rates were similar among non-immigrant parents (38%) and immigrant parents (32%).
We asked child care providers the same question and our sample included center-based teachers and directors, home-based providers, and family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) providers.
Similar to the parents surveyed, about one in three providers surveyed (30%) noticed impacts of immigration enforcement activities in their community. These rates were higher among immigrant providers (48%) than non-immigrant providers (25%).
Notably, the parent and provider data show that both immigrant and non-immigrant caregivers noticed impacts of immigration enforcement activities in their community.
In their written responses to open-ended questions, parents and providers described their experiences amid the increase of immigration enforcement activities, as indicated by the quotes in this fact sheet.
“The immigration issues are really scary for us. Even though we are U.S. citizens, one of my kids has a mental disability and would not be able to answer questions correctly nor understand what is being asked. I’m afraid he will be taken away and I will know nothing because the government at the moment doesn’t care.” Parent in Texas
“While we are not necessarily in danger, we are very concerned about ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] and the use of the military to reduce crime in U.S. cities. We are worried about immigrants and anyone who may look like an immigrant and their safety and well-being. This fear is crippling and impacts some of our household activities.” Parent in Kansas
“[My biggest] concerns are stressed-out teachers and staff, concerns about immigrant families and ICE.” Center director in New Jersey
“Political uncertainty [is my biggest concern]. We are personally in a secure financial and immigration status, but worry about general rising and instability that could get us in the crosshairs.” Parent in Washington
Caregivers of young children identify a variety of impacts of immigration enforcement in their community
To understand the specific impacts of immigration enforcement activities, we gave parents and providers the following list and asked: “Which of the following impacts of immigration enforcement activities, if any, have you noticed in your community? Select all that apply:”
- Children showing signs of fear, stress, or anxiety
- Families being separated or disrupted
- Families facing job loss or financial difficulties
- Children missing child care or school, or struggling with learning and development
- Declining trust in institutions (e.g., schools, healthcare, law enforcement)
- Reduced sense of safety, unity, or belonging in the community
Among the caregivers who noticed impacts of immigration enforcement activities in their community, more than half of parents (61%) and more than half of providers (59%) indicated concerns of reduced sense of safety, belonging, and unity in the community.
In addition, half of parents (52%) and half of providers (49%) identified declining trust in institutions.
Finally, half of parents (48%) and a third of providers (34%) noted concerns about families being separated or disrupted.
“Our biggest concern right now is the safety of our friends and family based on current federal actions, new laws, and executive orders that have been targeting immigrants.” Center-based teacher in California
“We are from a foreign country and stay in the U.S. as visa holders. Due to the instability of the recent situation, my wife and I are very worried whether we can stay and work in the U.S.” Parent in Massachusetts
“Other family members being impacted by changes in the economy, fears of sentiment on immigrants, and possible targeting of family members [are my biggest concerns].” Parent in Colorado
“I have three little girls. I am so worried about their future. I am not a citizen here, I am a permanent resident from Canada. I am worried about being targeted or deported. I am worried about racial inequality getting worse for friends and family. This current administration makes me feel so stressed every day that I feel sick.” Parent in New Hampshire
“The current federal administration is attacking/gutting/ripping apart the fabric of our community. This is what is challenging and concerning to my family. The decisions being made are directly impacting my family.” Center director in Massachusetts
Parents of young children express concerns that immigration enforcement activities could affect their family’s child care arrangements
As part of understanding family experiences, we asked parents: “Are you concerned that immigration enforcement activities in your community could affect your family’s participation in child care?”
Nearly half of parents surveyed (48%) were concerned that immigration enforcement activities could affect their family’s participation in child care, and these data were higher among immigrant parents (64%) than non-immigrant parents (42%).
One in seven parents surveyed (14%) said their child missed at least one day of child care due to concerns about immigration enforcement in their community, with rates higher among non-immigrant parents (16%) than immigrant parents (10%).
In their written responses to open-ended questions, both immigrant and non-immigrant parents expressed worries about using child care during increased immigration enforcement due to concerns about unwanted interactions with authorities, more surveillance in their communities, and the potential for drawing attention to their family, which could lead to scrutiny regardless of their immigration status. Additionally, child care providers wrote about operating with heightened caution out of immigration enforcement concerns, as indicated by the quotes in this fact sheet.
“The fear of me (the mom) being detained and deported, despite being a law-abiding legal immigrant. I have never committed any crimes, always followed all laws, and have always been up to date on my residency here. I still see people like me (here legally, non-criminals) being kidnapped by ICE and taken away from their families. I am terrified of this. My kids are little, they need me. My husband travels frequently for work, and I am petrified ICE will take me away when my husband isn’t here to be with the kids. I am so scared.” Parent in New Hampshire
“General concern about what is going on in this country. Immigration is the big thing. Our city had a border patrol visit, and I know several who had to miss work (miss a paycheck) because of fear. We are naturalized citizens and feel no longer at home here. We walked around with passports in hand because they were stopping based on appearance.” Parent in North Carolina
“Immigration-related concerns. My husband is a naturalized citizen, and we are terrified because he needs to leave the country for work this summer and because he is from a Muslim Ban country we are afraid he will not be able to re-enter. My mom, a Green Card holder, will not talk to me about politics on the phone because she is afraid someone is listening.” Parent in Kentucky
Conclusion
RAPID data collected between September 2025 and December 2025 show that many caregivers across the country and across immigration status are noticing impacts of immigration enforcement activities in their community. The fact that both immigrant and non-immigrant caregivers reported changes in child care because of immigration enforcement activities highlights the challenges families face in meeting this basic need. These experiences undermine caregivers’ well-being and ability to support the positive development of young children. RAPID will continue to gather insights from parents and providers about immigration enforcement to inform policies and programs that support young children and their families.
Related content
