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

Senator demands answers from HHS on impact of federal immigration operations on children's health

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) is demanding answers from Health and Human Service Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about the impact of federal immigration enforcement actions by ICE and CBP on children's health and wellbeing. Warren and other Democrats expressed concern that the health department is failing in its responsibility to protect child welfare, citing incidents of trauma, disruption of education, and other lasting consequences for children.

Why it matters

This case highlights growing concerns about the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies and their impact on vulnerable children, with lawmakers arguing that the government is neglecting its duty to safeguard the wellbeing of young people caught in the crossfire.

The details

In a letter to Kennedy, Warren and other congressional Democrats said the federal immigration operations "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 incidents of ICE and CBP using tactics like tear gas, explosives, attack dogs, and window-smashing near schools and child care centers in states like Minnesota, Illinois and Texas.

  • On February 3, 2026, Warren participated in a public forum on the use of force by DHS agents.
  • The letter to Kennedy was first obtained by ABC News on February 6, 2026.

The players

Elizabeth Warren

A Democratic senator from Massachusetts who is a fierce critic of the Trump administration's policies.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Angela Alsobrooks

A Democratic senator who co-signed the letter to Kennedy.

Tom Homan

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

Tina Smith

A Democratic senator from Minnesota who said the federal immigration operation has resulted in a drop in school attendance.

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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.”

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

“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, U.S. Senator (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, President, National Parents Union (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.