Bearing Witness: The Psychological Costs of ICE Policies and the Human Toll of Detention
By Dr. Denise Renye
As a psychologist, I have dedicated my career to helping people heal from trauma and reclaim their sense of wholeness. Yet, some of the most profound and heart-wrenching experiences I have encountered come not only from my clinical practice but also from my volunteer work conducting psychological evaluations for asylum cases. In light of the recent ICE protests and growing concerns over immigrant rights, I feel compelled to share what I have witnessed and how these policies reverberate through the human psyche.
The Trauma of Detention and Deportation
Immigration detention is not just a legal process; it is a deeply traumatic experience that tears at the very fabric of human dignity. Through my volunteer work, I have sat with countless asylum seekers who carry stories of persecution, violence, and unspeakable hardship. Detention centers often amplify these traumas through lack of safety, uncertainty, and the constant fear of deportation.
Psychologically, this can manifest as chronic anxiety, depression, and complex PTSD. Detained individuals often report feelings of helplessness, isolation, and a profound sense of being “othered.” Family separation only deepens the wound, disrupting vital attachment bonds and leaving both children and parents with lingering feelings of abandonment and loss.
Bearing Witness: Vicarious Trauma in the Clinician’s Chair
Conducting psychological evaluations for asylum cases has been one of the most challenging and humbling roles I have stepped into. As a clinician, I bear witness to harrowing stories of violence and injustice. The emotional weight of these narratives is heavy. At times, I have felt a deep sense of grief, anger, and even helplessness in the face of a system that too often fails to recognize the humanity of those it detains.
This is what we call vicarious trauma: the emotional residue that accumulates when we witness the suffering of others. As therapists, it is critical that we care for ourselves so that we can continue to hold space for others. For me, that has meant leaning into my own support systems, seeking supervision, and practicing embodied self-care such as yoga and grounding exercises to process the pain I carry from these stories.
The Experience of Being ‘Othered’
ICE enforcement policies reinforce a deep psychological wound in immigrant communities: the sense of being an outsider and never fully belonging. Even for those who are eventually granted asylum, the psychological effects of detention and the constant threat of deportation linger. People internalize messages of exclusion, shame, and fear. This erosion of belonging can lead to feelings of alienation and, in some cases, a fractured sense of identity.
In my evaluations, I have seen how the journey toward healing is a long one. Even after the immediate threat has passed, rebuilding trust in institutions and in one’s own sense of safety takes time.
The Therapist’s Role: Balancing Care and Advocacy
As therapists, we are taught to hold a neutral stance. Yet in the face of systemic injustice, neutrality can feel like complicity. My experience volunteering with asylum seekers has challenged me to integrate advocacy into my practice while remaining grounded in my clients’ needs and autonomy.
I believe that therapists can and must bear witness, educate themselves about systemic injustice, and support clients in navigating these experiences without imposing our own agenda. This might mean helping clients process their trauma, connecting them to community resources, or simply creating a safe space where their humanity is fully seen and respected. If you are a therapist interested in volunteering, reach out. I’d love to share more of my experience with The Bay Area Asylum Mental Health Project.