Children Across America Suffer Harm from Immigration Protests' Use of Tear Gas

ProPublica has recently uncovered evidence showing that over 79 children have been harmed by tear gas and pepper spray deployed by federal immigration officers since 2025. This number is nearly four times higher than what was previously reported in a congressional oversight document, indicating the extent to which these chemicals are affecting minors involved or impacted by protests against Trump administration immigration policies.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has maintained that their agents do not target children with tear gas and pepper spray, but ProPublica's investigation reveals that many incidents occurred when children were in vehicles, homes, or walking to school. The chemicals used are particularly toxic for young individuals due to their rapid breathing rates and smaller airways, which exacerbate the harmful effects of exposure.

The use of these irritants has drawn significant legal scrutiny. In November 2025, a federal judge in Illinois ruled that ICE and CBP officers had unjustifiably deployed tear gas against non-threatening crowds, constituting excessive force. However, this ruling only applied to specific areas mentioned in the lawsuit, leaving agents free to continue using such tactics elsewhere without restriction.

These findings highlight the broader implications of deploying chemical irritants during immigration protests, not just for immediate health impacts but also for potential long-term consequences on children's well-being and development.