The impact of Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign promise of mass deportations has been deeply felt across immigrant communities. Under his administration, aggressive immigration policies, including allowing ICE agents to enter schools and religious institutions, have left many families living in constant fear. This fear was poignantly highlighted in a note written by a child,

which quickly went viral. The note, shared on social media, reads: “If ICE takes me, I’ll be in El Salvador. You’re my best friend, like the brother I never had. I cry every night because I’m scared they’ll come to my school and take me.” Accompanied by tearful drawings, the note struck a chord with people worldwide, amassing millions of views and sparking an outpouring of emotion.

The decision to allow ICE agents into so-called “sensitive” areas, including schools and churches, has faced widespread criticism. While government officials argue that this is necessary to catch criminals, opponents believe it is creating unnecessary trauma for vulnerable individuals, particularly children. The viral note has sparked a wave of outrage online, with many decrying the policies as inhumane. Comments such as “This cruelty is the point,” and “No child should live in fear,” have flooded social media, voicing collective concern for the well-being of immigrant families.

A librarian shared their own feelings of heartbreak, writing, “I’ve been breaking down at my desk, thinking about my library kids and their parents being deported at any moment.” This sentiment is not uncommon, as countless educators, social workers, and community members are left grappling with the emotional toll these policies are taking on families. Read more below