#LAprotests #immigrantrights #immigrantrightsadvocate

It has always been important to me to state where I stand, once I’ve taken the time to digest and reflect.

Today, my heart is with the Latino community of LA who are showing up for each other. Stay safe out there familia.

Knowing what we know, and given the targeting of communities in LA, how can we blame protestors for defending their neighbors?

I’ll even go one step further: how can we not join them? In solidarity, and actuality, if that’s safe for you?

I’m sharing studies because that’s what we use to support the conclusions and claims we make as medical professionals.

But to be clear, people in the communities subjected to the prejudice and targeted by large-scale raids, have long told us just how disruptive these things are.

A 2023 study also showed that children who live in states with harsher laws and higher prejudice toward immigrants are more likely to suffer from chronic health and mental health conditions.

The laws and attitudes are enough to worsen health; no raids or traumatic events were required.

37 weeks after the raid in Iowa, low birth weight jumped by 24% in women who identified as Latina.

Babies born with a low weight are at higher risk for a range of health complications.

The implications of starting a life with worse health are enormous.

Researchers asked- would the raid have any effects on unborn children in the community?

Birth outcomes are a valuable measure to assess objectively.

One of those outcomes is birth weight, which tells you about the baby’s health, and by extension, the mom’s.

Fear has known detrimental effects on the health of children, including unborn children. Let me tell you about one study.

Back in 2008, ICE raided a meat-processing plant in Potsville, Iowa.

It was the largest, most dramatic raid the country had ever seen.

Long after the protests in LA are over, after the cameras have stopped rolling, and things have returned to whatever new normal awaits on the other side, children will be dealing with the repercussions of the terrorization of communities of color we are witnessing.

A few examples & some thoughts.