Story perspectives

145,000 Children Affected by Trump Immigration Detentions, 79 Hurt

5/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Brookings researchers estimate 145,000 children have had a parent detained by President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement since 2025.
Over 22,000 children have lost both parents, DHS having listed 18,277 detainees with children in 2025, suggesting a total.
ProPublica documented 79 children harmed by tear gas/pepper spray in ICE, while federal judge ordered return of Adriana Maria Quiroz Zapata after illegal deportation to the Democratic Republic of Congo despite medical exemption.

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Story summary

Brookings researchers estimate 145,000 children have had a parent detained by President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement since 2025.
Over 22,000 children have lost both parents, DHS having listed 18,277 detainees with children in 2025, suggesting a total.
ProPublica documented 79 children harmed by tear gas/pepper spray in ICE, while federal judge ordered return of Adriana Maria Quiroz Zapata after illegal deportation to the Democratic Republic of Congo despite medical exemption.