Warren Slams Kennedy's 'Disregard for Child Welfare' Amid Immigration Crackdown

Senator demands answers from HHS Secretary on impact of federal immigration operations on children's health and wellbeing.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., is expanding her probes into Trump administration policies by demanding answers from Health and Human Service Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about the impact of federal immigration surges on children's health. In a letter to Kennedy, Warren and other congressional Democrats expressed concern that the health department is failing in its responsibility to protect the wellbeing of children, citing the trauma and disruption caused by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the federal government's immigration enforcement agenda and the health and welfare of children caught in the crossfire. As the Trump administration continues to ramp up immigration crackdowns, there are growing concerns about the long-term impacts on children's mental health, education, and access to basic services.

The details

Warren's letter says the federal operations from ICE and CBP 'risk traumatizing children and depriving them of access to education and basic services, with lasting consequences for their behavioral, physical, academic, and emotional wellbeing.' The letter cites specific incidents where ICE and CBP tactics, including the alleged use of tear gas, explosives, attack dogs and window-smashing, have occurred near schools and child care centers in states like Minnesota, Illinois and Texas.

  • On February 3, 2026, Sen. Elizabeth Warren participated in a public forum on the violent use of force by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents.
  • On February 5, 2026, Warren's letter to HHS Secretary Kennedy was first obtained by ABC News.

The players

Sen. Elizabeth Warren

A Democratic senator from Massachusetts who is expanding her probes into Trump administration policies, particularly around immigration enforcement and its impact on children.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

A federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that is responsible for enforcing immigration laws.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

A federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that is responsible for regulating and facilitating international trade, collecting import duties, and enforcing U.S. regulations, including immigration laws.

Tricia McLaughlin

The Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security.

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What they’re saying

“This disregard for child welfare undermines the government's core child-protection obligations. Yet your agency [HHS] does not appear to be taking any action to speak out against or investigate the impacts of the Trump Administration's immigration agenda on children.”

— Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, and other congressional Democrats, U.S. Senators and Representatives (ABC News)

“The Department remains committed to the safety and well-being of all unaccompanied minors in its care. Any claims otherwise are baseless and inaccurate.”

— Emily Hilliard, HHS Spokeswoman (ABC News)

“Parents want the expectation that in places like schools, their kids are going to be safe. You got ICE agents that are stalking kids walking to elementary school. You got guys with binoculars banging on the doors of the schoolhouse — like none of this is going to work for parents.”

— Keri Rodrigues, National Parents Union President (ABC News)

“What will happen if the ICE agents come to our classroom? I told them that won't happen because the school won't let them in and I won't let them enter the classroom [either]. But the truth is, I don't know what I can do if ICE really shows up at my classroom door.”

— To-wen Tseng, Substitute Teacher in California (ABC News)

What’s next

More than 50 lawmakers signed on to the letter requesting that Kennedy provide any information HHS has regarding the impact of ICE and CBP operations on children's mental health and development by February 18, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the federal government's aggressive immigration enforcement agenda and the need to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of children caught in the crossfire. As the Trump administration continues to ramp up immigration crackdowns, there are growing concerns about the long-term impacts on children's mental health, education, and access to basic services.