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

Feb. 5, 2026 at 3:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., is 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 growing concerns about the impact of the Trump administration's immigration agenda on children, with claims that federal operations are 'traumatizing children and depriving them of access to education and basic services, with lasting consequences for their behavioral, physical, academic, and emotional wellbeing.'

The details

Warren's letter says ICE and CBP's tactics include the alleged use of tear gas, explosives, attack dogs and window-smashing in or near schools and child care centers in places like Minnesota, Illinois and Texas. It also recounts at least four students who have experienced 'raids' at schools, day care centers, and a child's birthday party. The letter urges Kennedy to respond and remind the world of the health department's responsibility to children.

  • On Wednesday, Trump's border czar Tom Homan announced the government will reduce about a quarter of the 3,000 federal troops in Minnesota effective immediately.
  • Warren's letter requests that Kennedy provide any information HHS has regarding the impact of ICE and CBP operations on children's mental health and development by Feb. 18.

The players

Elizabeth Warren

A Democratic senator from Massachusetts who is demanding answers from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about the impact of federal immigration operations on children's health.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services, who is being pressed by Warren and other Democrats to address the impact of immigration enforcement on children.

Angela Alsobrooks

A Democratic senator who co-signed Warren's letter to Kennedy.

Tom Homan

Trump's border czar who announced the reduction of federal troops in Minnesota.

Tina Smith

A Democratic senator from Minnesota who told ABC News the federal operation has resulted in a precipitous drop in school attendance that will have a 'dramatic' and 'long-lived' impact on children and families.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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.”

— Elizabeth Warren, Angela Alsobrooks, and other congressional Democrats, U.S. Senators (Letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.)

“Donald Trump promised two things: he would lower costs for American families and he would keep families safe. Costs are up and, thanks to ICE targeting, families are more at risk than at any time in living memory.”

— Elizabeth Warren (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 (Statement to 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, President, National Parents Union (ABC News)

“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, California (ABC News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.