Statement from Mind Share Partners on recent immigration raids and the impact on workforce well-being
- Mind Share Partners
- Jun 16
- 3 min read
June 13, 2025
SAN FRANCISCO – The recent immigration raids in Los Angeles—and other cities—are contributing to widespread trauma, fear, depression, and disruption, not only among immigrants themselves but their friends, families, colleagues, and workplaces coping with the absence of a loved one or colleague. 1, 2, 3
Research shows that immigrant workers—documented and undocumented—experience higher rates of mental health challenges, yet have lower access to care, particularly culturally responsive mental health services. 4 They also disproportionately work jobs in particularly challenging industries with lower safety, pay, and benefits.
The current climate can intensify these inequities, leaving some workers struggling to concentrate, manage anxiety, or feel safe in their routines. Even for those not directly affected, exposure to traumatic news—and the general atmosphere of fear and uncertainty—can take a toll on mental health.
Employers can play a vital role in safeguarding employee well-being during these times. Key actions include:
Practice flexibility and understanding. Offer remote or flexible work options, especially for employees commuting through affected areas. Give grace and space where needed—whether that means adjusting schedules, moving due dates, or leaning into accommodations for employees who need them. Team check-ins can surface where support or adjustments are needed.
Engage intentionally. In our recent national survey, U.S. politics is cited as a top stressor for employee well-being. 5 Still, many workers feel called to action. As an employer, you can take steps to encourage healthy and productive conversations around current events at work. Consult your legal counsel and rights as an employer when it comes to immigration (here is a good resource) to navigate these topics in ways that are both compliant and supportive of your people.
Lean into your company values and resources. Communicate clearly about available mental health benefits, including those that are culturally sensitive and accessible for immigrant and BIPOC communities. Our research shows that the super majority of workers support the promotion of fairness and inclusion at work. 5 Making sure your workforce is clear about policies like anti-harassment, anti-discrimination, and accommodations can aid in easing some of the fears surrounding the current climate.
1 Pinedo, M., & Valdez, C. R. (2020). Immigration enforcement policies and the mental health of US citizens: Findings from a comparative analysis. American Journal of Community Psychology, 66(1-2), 119-129.
2 Fleischman, T. (2024). Deportation threat worsens Latinos’ anxiety, mental health. Cornell Chronicle.
3 Pillai, A., et al. (2025). Potential Impacts of Mass Detention and Deportation Efforts on the Health and Well-Being of Immigrant Families. Kaiser Family Foundation.
4 Ortega, A. N., McKenna, R. M., Pintor, J. K., Langellier, B. A., Roby, D. H., Pourat, N., ... & Wallace, S. P. (2018). Health care access and physical and behavioral health among undocumented Latinos in California. Medical care, 56(11), 919-926.
5 Mind Share Partners. (2025). Mind Share Partners’ 2025 Mental Health at Work Report. https://www.mindsharepartners.org/2025-mental-health-at-work-report
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About Mind Share Partners
Mind Share Partners is a nonprofit that is changing the culture of workplace mental health so that both employees and organizations can thrive. We help employers create mentally healthy workplaces through consulting and training and are building a national movement to change the landscape around work. Our approach hinges on changing company culture, driven by the values of fairness and inclusion. We believe in the force of work to transform the mental health and well being—for all workers.
