Living in Fear: How Immigration Raids and Targeted Attacks Affect Mental Health

Trauma Recovery
Written By Dr. Sheila Vidal

Recent immigration raids, attacks on marginalized communities, and a rise in systemic targeting of refugees and LGBTQ+ individuals have sparked widespread fear and distress. These incidents profoundly impact mental health, triggering chronic stress responses and trauma that can persist long after the immediate threat has passed. As a psychologist specializing in trauma-informed care at Next Mission Recovery, I see firsthand the intense psychological impact these events have on individuals and communities.

Silhouette of a person cautiously looking through window blinds at dusk, symbolizing fear, hypervigilance, and trauma from immigration raids and systemic targeting.

Photo by Guilherme Rossi via Pexels.

The Psychological Impact of Immigration Raids and Systemic Targeting

When news spreads about immigration raids, increased persecution, or targeted violence, the psychological toll on affected communities is profound. Immigrants, refugees escaping war or persecution, and LGBTQ+ individuals facing targeted attacks experience continuous trauma and heightened anxiety, even in the absence of direct violence or deportation.

Common trauma responses include:

  • Hypervigilance: Constant alertness to potential threats, exhausting mental resources and perpetuating fight, flight, or freeze trauma responses.

  • Isolation and Withdrawal: Avoidance of public spaces and social interaction due to fear and feelings of insecurity.

  • Chronic Anxiety and Depression: Persistent feelings of hopelessness and anxiety about an uncertain future, particularly concerning safety and security.

  • Complex PTSD Symptoms: Including nightmares, emotional numbness, intrusive/distressing memories, and avoidance of trauma triggers.

Refugees, in particular, may experience compounded trauma due to past experiences of persecution, violence, or war. This can amplify current distress, making the psychological impact particularly severe.

How Fear and Anxiety Affect Daily Life

For individuals living under threat, daily life can become seemingly overwhelming. The constant fear of immigration raids or targeted violence can lead to:

  • Disrupted family life, with children experiencing developmental impacts due to separation anxiety and stress.

  • Decreased physical health, as anxiety and systemic marginalization impede access to essential healthcare services.

  • Economic instability, with individuals avoiding work due to fear of raids and/or profiling.

  • Distrust of institutions, creating barriers to accessing avenues for support and justice.

The collective impact can fracture communities, weaken social bonds, and further marginalize vulnerable populations.

Strategies for Coping and Emotional Resilience

While systemic changes are essential, there are immediate strategies to mitigate the mental health impact of ongoing trauma:

  • Grounding and Mindfulness Techniques: Practicing grounding exercises can help manage anxiety and foster emotional regulation amid psychological distress.

  • Building Support Networks: Engaging with trusted community groups, faith-based organizations, or advocacy networks can provide emotional comfort and practical support.

  • Limiting Exposure to Stressful Media: Balancing the need to stay informed with self-care by setting boundaries around media consumption and unhelpful, anxiety-provoking news.

  • Psychoeducation: Understanding trauma responses can empower individuals to recognize symptoms and seek timely support.

How Next Mission Recovery Supports Affected Communities

At Next Mission Recovery, I am dedicated to providing accessible, trauma-informed therapy tailored to marginalized communities impacted by systemic targeting and fear. I offer:

  • Individual Trauma Therapy: Customized therapeutic interventions addressing PTSD, anxiety, depression, and complex trauma.

  • Group Psychoeducation Workshops: Available at reduced or no cost for marginalized groups, including immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+ individuals, and communities of color.

  • Culturally Sensitive Care: Therapy sessions that respect cultural contexts, identities, and experiences.

My aim is to offer compassionate, evidence-based support that helps individuals and communities reclaim their sense of safety and dignity.

Trauma Support Should Be Accessible to Everyone

As a trauma psychologist, I believe that mental health support should be accessible to everyone—especially to those facing systemic harm and ongoing fear. That’s why I offer group psychoeducation workshops at reduced or no cost for marginalized communities, including immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+ individuals, and communities of color.

These workshops are designed to:

  • Teach practical coping tools and trauma recovery strategies

  • Offer a safe, supportive space for shared experiences

  • Reduce stigma around seeking help

  • Empower individuals with knowledge to better understand trauma and emotional regulation

Whether you're facing fear due to immigration status, systemic discrimination, or historical trauma, you're not alone. I’m here to provide compassionate, culturally sensitive support. Learn what to expect in your first trauma therapy session.

Learn more about my services or reach out today to ask about free or low-cost workshop options.

Taking the Next Step Towards Healing

You do not have to face these overwhelming emotions alone. If you or someone you care about is affected by immigration raids, systemic targeting, or refugee trauma, I encourage you to reach out. Contact me today to schedule a free consultation or to learn more about supportive services.

Further Reading

FAQ

  • Immigration-related trauma involves psychological distress resulting from immigration enforcement actions, persecution, displacement, and ongoing fear of raids and systemic discrimination.

  • Yes. Trauma can result from indirect experiences, constant fear, and systemic threats. Therapy provides essential tools for emotional regulation, resilience, and recovery.

  • Absolutely. Confidentiality is strictly maintained, and therapists focus solely on your mental health and safety.

Dr. Sheila Vidal

I’m Dr. Sheila Vidal, a licensed clinical psychologist in the State of Virginia and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I provide trauma-informed online therapy for adults across Virginia, offering evidence-based care to help individuals navigate the lasting effects of traumatic stress, PTSD, and complex emotional challenges. Although I currently reside in Northern California, I offer virtual psychological services exclusively to residents of Virginia.

I earned my Master of Arts degree in Diplomacy and Military Studies from Hawaii Pacific University, where I was honored with the "Best Graduate Paper" award for my thesis on interwar revolution in Vietnam from 1954 to 1959. Driven by a passion for understanding human behavior and resilience, I went on to earn a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Washington, DC.

During my time in Washington, DC, I completed clinical training at the DC Superior Court, providing psychological assessments to at-risk youth, including Spanish-speaking unaccompanied minors. I completed my postdoctoral training at the Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where I focused on behavioral psychology and supported children and families navigating complex trauma and behavioral health challenges.

As a clinical psychologist with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, I gained extensive experience providing evidence-based trauma treatment to Military Veterans, Reservists, First Responders, Law Enforcement Personnel, and their Caregivers. My clinical work encompassed a wide range of mental health concerns, including those related to PTSD, Moral Injury, and Military Sexual Trauma (MST).

My extensive academic training, international teaching background, and fieldwork abroad have strengthened my cultural competence in working with diverse and historically marginalized populations impacted by trauma. I specialize in treating PTSD, trauma-related conditions, and the complex intersection of mood and personality disorders that often emerge following prolonged or early-life traumatic experiences.

At Next Mission Recovery, I am committed to providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed online therapy that fosters resilience, promotes healing, and supports sustainable growth. Through a compassionate, evidence-based approach, I strive to create a therapeutic space where clients feel respected, validated, and empowered to move toward meaningful recovery.

https://www.nextmissionrecovery.com/about
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