Managing ICE-Related Fear & Anxiety in Our Communities
Periods of heightened immigration enforcement, community violence, or even rumors of ICE activity can create a deep sense of fear and destabilization across entire communities. Anxiety doesn’t stay contained—it shows up at work, at school, in families, and in everyday interactions.
In values-driven communities, people often turn toward one another for support. Community leaders, educators, healthcare workers, nonprofit staff, faith leaders, and volunteers frequently become informal anchors during these moments—listening, reassuring, and trying to help people feel safe.
At H&S Wellness Consultants, we’ve been hearing a consistent concern:
“I want to help—and I don’t know where my role should stop.”
Empathy Is Essential — Boundaries Are Protective
When fear is high, boundaries can blur. Many people feel called to step in beyond their formal roles—offering transportation, housing, childcare, money, legal guidance, or personal advocacy because it feels morally right in the moment.
These actions often come from deep compassion and shared humanity. At the same time, unexamined overextension can lead to burnout, moral distress, and unintended risk—for both the helper and the person receiving support.
Holding boundaries is not a lack of care.
Boundaries are what allow care to be sustainable.
Empathy does not require self-sacrifice.
Support does not require doing everything yourself.
A Resource for Sustainable, Values-Aligned Support
To help communities navigate ICE-related fear and anxiety, we created a practical resource guide designed for people in helping roles—formal and informal—who are supporting others during times of uncertainty.
The guide supports you in:
Validating fear and distress without absorbing responsibility you cannot sustain
Clarifying what is and is not part of your role
Connecting people to appropriate community and legal resources
Reducing burnout while staying grounded in your values
Rather than shutting conversations down, the guide offers language and frameworks that allow you to stay present without becoming overwhelmed or overextended.
The “Warm Handoff”: Care Without Collapse
One of the hardest moments in helping roles is knowing how to say:
“I care—and I can’t do this alone.”
The resource introduces a Warm Handoff approach:
Acknowledge the fear or need
Pivot directly to a trusted resource
Offer brief, supportive presence (for example, sitting with someone while they make a call) rather than taking on the task yourself
This approach preserves dignity and connection while reinforcing shared responsibility.
When People Choose to Do More
We also want to name an important reality:
Some people will choose to go beyond their formal role because of personal values, faith, lived experience, or a strong sense of moral calling.
Our message is not “don’t help.”
Our message is “help consciously.”
If someone chooses to extend beyond their role, it’s healthiest when that choice is:
Intentional and informed
Discussed with leadership or peers when possible
Grounded in a clear understanding of capacity, risk, and limits
Unexamined over-giving often leads to resentment and burnout.
Intentional care is more likely to endure.
Caring for the Caregivers
Moments like these remind us that people in helping roles are not just professionals or volunteers—they are neighbors, parents, partners, and community members who are also impacted by fear, grief, anger, and uncertainty.
If you feel overwhelmed, emotionally activated, or stretched thin, that is a nervous system response—not a personal failure.
Support, structure, and shared responsibility matter.
Access the Resource
You can download the Managing ICE-Related Fear & Anxiety resource here and share it within your organization or community.
If your group would benefit from:
Facilitated conversations around empathic boundaries
Training on managing fear, moral distress, and burnout
Leadership support during periods of community crisis
H&S Wellness Consultants is here to support you.
Care that lasts is care that is shared.
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H&S Wellness Consultants
