Finding Healing and Belonging: A Mental Health Guide for Latino Families in Wisconsin

Part 2: Finding Healing and Belonging as a Latino Family in Wisconsin

Even amid fear and uncertainty, healing is possible. Across Wisconsin, Latino families are building resilience, connection, and hope—even in counties where local law enforcement is partnering with ICE.

According to a July 2025 ACLU of Wisconsin report, 13 of 72 county sheriff’s offices now have active 287(g) agreements with ICE, giving them the authority to detain and transfer individuals for immigration enforcement (Wisconsin Examiner).

These counties include:

Brown, Fond du Lac, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marquette, Outagamie, Sheboygan, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago, and Wood. * Wisconsin Examiner, July 30, 2025 (DHS website)

Meanwhile, Dane County and Milwaukee County do not participate in the 287(g) program.

In this second part of our series, our bilingual Latina blogger, shares a public health perspective on how Latino families in Wisconsin can nurture healing and belonging—even in a climate shaped by fear, surveillance, and trauma.

A Mental Health Guide for Latino Families in Wisconsin

We made a bold move to create this Mental Health Guide for Latino Families in Wisconsin, for our followers who are allies and for other Latinas y Latinos. There is so much fear in our community right now. Immigration raids, hateful rhetoric, and hostility are not abstract—they come from neighbors, co-workers, sometimes even people in our own families. You have every right to be angry. You have every right to be hurt.

Fear walks beside many of us every single day.

It can be tempting to say, “I’ll just go back to my country… I’m out of here. Things are better there anyway,” especially in moments of frustration, exhaustion, or heartbreak. I’ve said it too—more than once. But do I truly mean it?

About 20% of immigrants to the U.S. eventually return to their home countries. Of those, around 10% go back within the first year. and about 33% within five years. That means the vast majority—two out of every three immigrants—stay beyond five years, finding a way to settle, despite the challenges (NBER, Brookings, PMC).

Why do some return? Reasons vary—lack of support systems, limited access to jobs or health care, language barriers, and, of course, homesickness. But for many, staying is an act of courage and hope.

Here in Madison, you’re not alone. Over 25,000 Latinos call this city home—that’s 25,000 stories, 25,000 reasons to feel connected.

We’re here. This comunidad is here.

Midwest Mujeres is here—to support your goals, to connect with you, to offer an amiga, and to stand beside you.

There is pain. Let’s name it.

In my culture, we call it desahogarse—to un-drown yourself, to blow off steam, to distress. It’s the act of letting the pain out by speaking it, feeling it, and releasing it into the air. Because when we hold it in, we sink.

Desahogarse isn’t about fixing things with the person, thing, or system that hurt you. It’s not for them. It’s for you. To breathe again. To make space. To heal.

Your voice is healing.

Your voice is a vibration from within. 

Some people record voice notes to desahogarse.

I like to walk and talk to myself, or hum just loud enough to feel the sound in my throat. This practice is easy to do on your own and it’s grounding because it reminds me that I am real. That I am human.

At Midwest Mujeres, we believe in your voice. And we believe in our voice—shared, collective, powerful.

If you're at a point where you're seeking deeper connections and a sense of community, please know that we're here to support you. And if you're ready to explore your personal story, reclaim your narrative, or pursue a new goal, we offer programs throughout the year designed to empower you. We're eager to listen to your experiences and learn about what makes you, you.

If you’re receiving mental health care, know that your privacy is protected by HIPAA, which keeps your health information confidential unless there’s an urgent safety concern for you or someone else. In Wisconsin, state laws like Wis. Stat. §§146.81–146.84 and §905.04 provide even stronger protections for your medical records and confidential conversations with your mental health providers.

These laws are in place so you can seek care and support knowing your information is safe and your story is respected.

If you're starting a new medication, give it time. Stay on top of it. The effects are gradual, not instant. If cost is a barrier, there are low-cost pharmacies here in Dane County (also listed below).

Accessing mental health care as a Latino immigrant can be full of challenges—from language barriers and mistrust to limited resources and trauma. But there is hope. Your privacy and safety are protected by law, and support is available to guide you.

There’s a myth that your therapist has to fully “get” you before healing can happen.

 That’s not true. Healing starts the moment you reach out and talk to a skilled professional—even if it doesn’t feel perfect right away. Taking that first step opens the door to growth and connection.

Remember, we are a force of nature. We are complex—and complete. We are not half of one thing and half of another. We are full. Whole. Even roses have thorns. Mental health is for everyone, and you, amiga, are certainly deserving of it. 

*   Just Start: Mental health doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to start.

*   Start Small: Even small steps can make a big difference.

*   Be Patient: Healing takes time, so don't get discouraged.

*   Find Your Comunidad: Connect with a supportive network.

   Desahógate.

With lots of love and admiration, 

Fernanda

📌 Notable Notes:

• An American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) report, dated July 30, 2025, confirmed that these six counties joined the federal 287(g) program between March and June 2025.

• Under the program, local law enforcement agencies can enter agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to delegate federal immigration enforcement powers to trained officers. The agreements allow local staff to question inmates about their immigration status and detain them for ICE. 

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