NEWARK - Immigration crackdowns, an affordable-housing shortage and a freeze in SNAP benefits have taken a heavy toll on the mental health of over 110,000 Hispanic residents living in Newark, pushing the city’s Spanish-speaking community further into the shadows, experts and civic leaders say.

“There are certain basic needs that we all need to have in order for us to prosper in life, like feeling safe, knowing where your next meal is going to come from, and knowing your kids are safe,” said Dr. Enmanuel Mercedes, a licensed psychologist. “These things are being stripped away systemically by the current political system that we’re facing and are having a direct effect on the mental health of community members, including immigrants.”

The tragedy, according to South Ward City Councilman P

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