Balancing Security and Compassion: Rethinking U.S. Immigration Enforcement

The Human Toll of Family Separation and a Nation Divided by Policy

By Theodora Filis

Just days ago, President Donald Trump spoke to workers at an auto factory in Michigan, urging “Iranian patriots” to keep protesting and reclaim their institutions. He portrayed himself as a supporter of freedom, standing against oppression. However, this story sharply contrasts with his administration’s actions at home—especially the policy of separating thousands of children from their parents at the U.S. border. These measures have faced intense criticism from human rights groups and have revealed the high human cost of strict immigration enforcement.

The ongoing debate over immigration enforcement in the United States now reflects not just a struggle between law, order, and humanitarian values but also a deepening divide within our country. Under the current administration, the president has increasingly taken sides—protecting Republican-led states while Democratic states are penalized, often through targeted immigration raids. The deployment of ICE agents to Democratic strongholds has been seen by many as a form of political intimidation, with communities feeling more frightened than protected. This deliberate strategy deepens national divides, turning immigration enforcement into a tool for partisan conflict rather than a measure for public safety or justice.

ICE officials claim their actions are lawful and necessary, ensuring proper procedures and safeguarding national security. However, stories from affected families reveal a harsher reality—one filled with pain, fear, and ongoing loss. The 2026 Office of Inspector General report’s findings of “serious psychological harm” among separated children should serve as a wake-up call to policymakers and the public. Parents living with constant heartbreak and fear challenge the idea that America is a beacon of hope and opportunity, forcing us to confront uncomfortable truths about the actual human cost of enforcement—and how enforcement is used to punish political opponents.

Historically, the United States has employed exclusionary enforcement tactics, from the Immigration Act of 1924 to the Chinese Exclusion Act and the “zero tolerance” policy of 2018. These precedents show that vulnerable families have repeatedly borne the consequences of policies justified as serving national interests. Today, children and parents still face trauma, uncertainty, and limited access to legal aid and social support, especially in states targeted for political reasons.

For America to truly uphold its ideals, meaningful reforms are essential. Independent oversight of immigration enforcement, accessible pathways to family reunification, trauma-informed procedures, and legal counsel for all detained children are critical first steps. These reforms would uphold the principles of dignity and justice, helping to close the widening gap and align national policies with humanitarian values—regardless of state boundaries or political party lines.

As we approach our 250th anniversary, it is crucial to reaffirm core American values such as liberty, justice, and compassion. This milestone encourages us to carefully review our policies and ensure our actions, especially concerning families and children at the border, align with these ideals.