Talking To Teens About ICE and Immigration

Written By Anviksha Kalscheur

By Bridget Iaccino, LCSW, Teen Support Coordinator

Many teens in Chicago are navigating more than typical adolescent challenges. They’re grappling with fear, uncertainty, and questions about their safety, identity, and belonging as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity increases across our city. 

These experiences can have a deep impact on a young person’s emotional well-being, particularly if they have lived experience with immigration or know peers and community members who do. In moments like these, teens benefit from grounded and compassionate support from the adults in their lives. 

Notice stress reactions early  

What our city and nation are experiencing has caused a rise in fear, anxiety, sadness, and anger. Teens may have seen ICE activity in their neighborhood, heard stories of families being separated, or witnessed the distress of peers whose safety feels threatened. 

Stress shows up differently for everyone. Take note of some of these common signs: 

  • Increased anger, sadness, or a vocal expression of fear 

  • An increased desire to get involved in advocacy or activism 

  • Behavioral changes such as avoiding school or withdrawing socially 

  • Physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue 

Start with what your teen already knows.  

One of the best ways you can support your teen is to open up a conversation about what’s happening in the world. Teens are constantly absorbing information from their peers, TikTok, Instagram, and news clips. This information isn’t always accurate, regulated, or developmentally appropriate — making it important to start a conversation and discuss together. 

Try starting with questions like: “What have you heard about what’s happening? How are you feeling about it?” 

Some teens might have a very in-depth knowledge of what’s going on; others might only know the broader contours of what’s happening. Getting an idea of what they’ve been exposed to can help you guide the conversation. 

From there, you can gently correct any misinformation, validate their feelings, and help them organize the information into something more manageable. If they don’t want to talk, that’s okay, too. 

Explain the basics together and encourage critical thinking 

As you ask questions of your teen about what they know, part of that conversation might look like explaining the basics around what’s happening and why. Reviewing facts together strengthens media literacy skills and helps your teen regulate fear by connecting to knowledge — instead of uncertainty. 

You might want to research together things like: What ICE does, what rights people have, and how systems work in simple language. 

Highlight humanity and encourage empathy

With so many conflicting messages circulating online, grounding your teen in our shared humanity matters. If they know someone who is directly affected, acknowledge that reality. Discuss how immigration policies impact children and families, including U.S.-born children separated from their parents.

Share your family’s immigration story 

If it feels safe and appropriate, sharing your family’s immigration story — or the story of someone you trust — can help your teen understand resilience, courage, and community strength. These stories help remind teens that their family comes from strength and that they’re part of a larger legacy of courage and community. 

For teens with no family immigration history, you can use this space to discuss your ancestors, migration, and belonging. 

Model optimistic realism 

Right now, a lot of teens are feeling powerless — and consistent exposure to fear-based media or doom-scrolling can heighten the feelings of hopelessness.

Try to model balanced emotional responses for your teen. Avoid minimizing the reality (e.g., “everything will be fine,” or catastrophizing (“this is terrifying”). Look for stories of hope, like community organizers bringing people together. 

Develop a family safety plan 

Developing a family safety plan doesn’t mean assuming the worst. It’s about emotional readiness and stability. Teens feel more secure when they have a plan and clarity. This might include simple steps, like:

  • Who would your teen call first in an emergency 

  • Trusted adults who can step in if needed 

  • Important phone numbers written down and memorized 

  • How to access identification documents safely 

  • Community organizations that offer support

For families who aren’t directly impacted by ICE, consider a solidarity-based plan. How can your family show up for friends and community members who need support? What are some of the ways you can be a good neighbor?

Practice healthy media hygiene 

Social media is rampant with misinformation and fear. Help your teen set healthy limits without shame or control. Consider the following ideas: 

  • Discuss setting screen “cool-down” breaks during particularly distressing news cycles 

  • Follow trusted and credible sources together 

  • Identify when the media is increasing stress or panic 

Connect with your community and support network 

Take time to identify resources, trusted groups, and institutions within your community to whom you feel safe sharing your safety plan. Whether this is your teen’s school, or faith community members, communicating your family's plan adds another layer of practical support from already trusted social networks. 

Take action in ways that align with your values 

Taking action — no matter how small it may feel — reduces the feelings of helplessness. Support your teen in expressing their values in safe, grounded ways. This can look like:

  • Attending community members 

  • Writing letters to representatives 

  • Volunteering 

  • Participating in awareness campaigns 

  • Donating or fundraising 

  • Community demonstrations  

Final Thoughts

Anviksha Kalscheur
Next

Navigating ICE Raids, Responding to Fear, and Building New Systems