A ProPublica investigation found at least 79 children physically harmed by tear gas or pepper spray used by federal immigration officers during a 2026 deportation campaign, including infants and teens exposed in homes and cars. The reporting highlights that there is no national standard limiting federal use of these chemical agents and shows potential long‑term mental and physical health consequences for bystanders.
— This reframes immigration enforcement as a child‑safety and public‑health problem that may require national policy standards, legal oversight, and health follow‑up, not just immigration law enforcement debate.
Lisa Song
2026.05.15
100% relevant
ProPublica dataset/cases (at least 79 children harmed; specific incidents: 6‑month‑old who briefly stopped breathing; 12‑year‑old with hives; 17‑year‑old with severe asthma) and DHS statement that it 'does NOT target children' despite no national use‑of‑force standard.
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