The ICE pandemic
Vox
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The article highlights how the surge of ICE raids across the U.S. has created a sense of fear and uncertainty reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Entire families are sheltering at home, children are learning remotely on iPads, and pregnant women are skipping doctor’s appointments due to the constant threat of deportation. This second wave of disruption is disproportionately affecting immigrant communities, with essential workers and vulnerable populations bearing the brunt of both the health and emotional toll.
In Los Angeles, car wash workers have been forced to stay home for nearly a year due to repeated raids, leaving many feeling traumatized and unable to provide for their families. In Minneapolis, Dr. Bryan Fate has observed a surge in severe pediatric cases as parents delay medical care to avoid ICE encounters. These stories mirror the challenges of the pandemic but are compounded by the targeted nature of this crisis, leaving immigrant families in a state of perpetual fear.
The psychological and educational impacts are profound. Schools in cities like St. Paul report that half of their remote learners are from low-income or language-learner backgrounds, struggling to adapt to virtual education. Children with disabilities face particular challenges, as missed doctor’s visits and therapy sessions exacerbate existing conditions. The eerie calm in pediatric waiting rooms reflects a broader societal shift, where fear of ICE outweighs the need for medical
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Originally published on Vox on 2/23/2026