Zocalo Health, a medical clinic in Los Angeles, has documented a significant increase in mental health conditions among its patient population during immigration enforcement operations, according to clinic data.

The clinic, which routinely screens all patients for depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation, recorded a marked rise in these conditions following Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in the area. The screening protocol allows the facility to track mental health trends across its patient base over time.

The findings add to a growing body of research examining the psychological effects of immigration enforcement on communities. Mental health professionals have increasingly focused on documenting how enforcement actions may affect both documented and undocumented residents in targeted areas.

Zocalo Health's patient screening data provides one of the more systematic approaches to measuring these effects, as the clinic's routine mental health assessments offer baseline comparisons from before and after enforcement periods. The clinic serves a diverse population in Los Angeles, an area that has seen varying levels of immigration enforcement activity.

The documentation comes as healthcare providers across the country work to understand and address mental health impacts in immigrant communities during periods of heightened enforcement activity.