Immigrants in New York City are afraid to go to the doctor and call 911 because of raids and arrests.

Immigrants in New York City are increasingly refusing health care, failing to report domestic violence, and failing to take advantage of social benefits. Gothamist talks about the consequences of US President Donald Trump's immigration policies.

Fear of immigration services has caused a mental health crisis among thousands of families.

This was stated by representatives of public organizations at hearings in the city council.

Consequences of Trump's policies

Human rights activists described the "chilling effect" of the new wave tightening Trump's immigration policies, which they say are changing the daily lives of immigrants and depriving them of access to critical services.

"Under Trump's second term, we're seeing increased isolation again. Immigrants are afraid to perform everyday tasks for fear of being targeted by ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement]," said Rachel Goldsmith, director of social work at the Legal Aid Society.

Increase in detentions and requests for assistance

The hearing focused on mental health issues among immigrants. According to human rights advocates, the number of such problems has increased sharply since Trump returned to office on January 20 of this year.

On the subject: How Many Immigrants Will New York Detain and Deport in 2025?

The Arab American Family Support Center reported an 80% increase in requests for psychological support.

Since January 20, more than 3300 immigrants have been arrested, a 56% increase over the same period last year.

As of early March, there were approximately 43 asylum seekers in New York City shelters.

The government urges people not to be afraid to seek help.

At the hearing, representatives from Mayor Eric Adams' administration urged families to continue sending their children to school, seeking medical attention, and calling 911 in emergencies.

They say authorities are disseminating this information through leaflets, social media, events, seminars, and meetings with ethnic and immigrant media.

"Mayor Adams has made it clear that no New Yorker, regardless of their identification status, should be afraid to use resources—call the police, send their children to school, seek medical care, or go to court. No one should hide in the shadows," said City Hall spokesperson Liz Garcia.

Erin Byrne of the Office of Immigration Services emphasized that the primary goal for detained immigrants is ensuring access to legal assistance. The administration prioritizes connecting them with attorneys and legal services.

Fear of victims of domestic violence

Ashley Lin of the Korean American Family Service Center told the story of an undocumented Korean woman who suffered domestic violence. She was afraid to call the police for fear of being separated from her children and deported.

"In the current political climate, the challenges are even more serious," Lin said. "Language barriers, immigration status, and fear of deportation leave victims without a way out."

Stephanie Rovine of the Healing Center noted that they receive help from children who are afraid to go to school. They worry that their parents might be detained in their absence.

Criticism of the Adams administration

Alexa Aviles, chair of the City Council's Immigration Committee, criticized the Adams administration, claiming it is failing to provide adequate services to address the mental health needs of immigrants.

The official is "extremely disappointed" by the lack of concrete measures. She is frustrated by the long wait times for calls to 988, the mental health crisis hotline.

"There's no mention of specific programs, no acknowledgement of the queues or how to manage them. There's no planning or understanding that the workload is growing. This is more reminiscent of the administration's previous approach. They're not prepared to seriously address the problem," Aviles concluded.

In her statement, Garcia emphasized the administration's strong commitment to the safety of immigrants.

According to her, the government has invested $120 million in free legal services for immigrants. A new office has been created to organize pro bono work for attorneys. Furthermore, "Know Your Rights" training programs have been expanded, becoming the largest in the country.

"It's outrageous that, at a time of heightened anxiety, an elected representative is spreading misinformation about the important work of the Office of Immigration and Customs. Instead, he should be collaborating with the agency to work productively together," she concluded.