ICE Concerns May Be Keeping Some Patients From Hospitals, Nurses Say

The presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents has been observed in some hospitals and emergency rooms in recent months. Reports from healthcare professionals indicate this law enforcement activity has become part of the operational environment in certain medical facilities, though practices and frequency may vary by region. Healthcare professionals report that this increased law enforcement activity could impact the atmosphere within medical facilities, particularly for immigrant patients. Some providers have observed that the visibility of uniformed agents may contribute to feelings of unease among certain patients and could influence their willingness to seek needed care.

 

Potential Delays and Avoidance in Seeking Medical Help

Healthcare providers across the country are observing a potential troubling trend: some immigrant patients are delaying or avoiding care, even for serious and time-sensitive conditions. Dr. Céline Gounder, an infectious disease specialist, notes, “We’re seeing patients delay or completely avoid seeking treatment, even for serious conditions. The mere presence of law enforcement in medical settings could prevent people from accessing care they desperately need.” For patients with heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, pregnancies, or infections, any delay means increased risk, more acute interventions, and ultimately, greater strain on the healthcare system.

@iamjazv Because behind every raid, every arrest, every “just doing my job” there’s a family shattered. A child who doesn’t understand why mamá or papá didn’t come home. A family now living in fear, trauma, and silence. Most of the people you’re detaining are not threats. They’re workers. Caregivers. Dreamers. Parents. Human beings who came here the same way your ancestors probably did, hoping for a better life. We’re not asking for pity. We’re asking for humanity. Because being undocumented should not mean being inhumane. Because our families love just as hard. And our children cry just the same. To our community: You matter. Your story matters. And even in the face of fear, you are not invisible. Keep fighting, keep showing up, and keep loving louder than the hate #nurse #nurselife #nursing #nursesoftiktok #nursevlog #grwmforwork #scrubs #scrublife #healthcare #immigrant #immigrantparents #democracy #humanrights #latina #mexicana #immigrantsmakeamericagreat #immigrantstories #daca #dacadreamers #grwm #minivlog #relatable ♬ sonido original - de los angeles

No-Show Rates Soaring

Community clinics, especially in Southern California, have reported that no-show rates for appointments jumped from 9% to over 30% after neighborhood ICE operations intensified. This trend may highlight the complex intersection of immigration enforcement and public health. Rising no-show rates may reflect broader barriers that immigrant and low-income communities face in accessing healthcare, particularly amid increased law enforcement activity. Clinics continue to adapt by offering telehealth appointments and community outreach in an effort to maintain patient engagement and continuity of care.

@lisaremillard #immigration #iceraids #presidenttrump ♬ original sound - 📺The News Girl 📰

Mental Health and Trauma Risks

Law enforcement presence in healthcare settings has been observed and discussed by clinicians and researchers in relation to patient experiences. Some studies and professional observations suggest that seeing uniformed officers in hospitals, including during immigration-related activities, may be associated with increased feelings of stress and anxiety among certain patients. This is noted to occur particularly in individuals with a history of trauma or from immigrant backgrounds.

Nurses and other healthcare professionals recognize that healing requires addressing both physical and psychological needs. Creating a safe and welcoming environment is crucial for patient well-being.

@cjnlegalnurse When judges get purged, healthcare workers get stuck in legal limbo. This isn’t just immigration policy—it’s a workforce crisis. #ImmigrationJustice #HealthcareWorkers #WorkforceCrisis #AsylumIsHealthcare #PublicHealth #DACA #NursesOfTikTok #ImmigrantDoctors #NoHumanIsIllegal #healthequity #creatorsearchinsights #fyp ♬ original sound - Cambria Nwosu, DNP, RN, LNC

Ethical Considerations and Reported Practices

Reports from Los Angeles emergency departments reveal further potential complications. According to Dr. Hannah Janeway, ICE agents have:

• Entered ERs in ski masks, green fatigues, and bulletproof vests.
• Refused to identify themselves or present badges as required.
• Not accommodating patient privacy during interviews and medical exams.
• Prevented contact with patients’ families—even when needed for critical medical decisions.
• Entered private patient areas without judicial warrants.

EMTALA, Patient Rights, and Law Enforcement Access

Under EMTALA, hospitals must provide emergency care to all patients, regardless of immigration status or identification. Patients are not required to show ID to receive treatment.

In contrast, law enforcement officers must identify themselves and present a judicial warrant to access non-public areas, like patient rooms. Many healthcare workers are unaware of these legal protections, making staff training essential to safeguard patient rights and ensure compliance.

Building Trustful Patient Relationships

Nurses are at the forefront of building supportive and trustworthy healthcare experiences for all patients, particularly those who may feel vulnerable due to factors like immigration enforcement. Here are key strategies nurses can use to strengthen patient confidence and comfort:

• Clear Communication: Educate patients about their rights and your facility’s privacy policies. Make sure this information is available in multiple languages and formats.
• Confidentiality Assurance: Reassure patients that hospitals and clinics generally do not ask for or share immigration status unless explicitly required by law.
• Creative Care Models: Advocate for mobile clinics, home visits, telehealth, and pharmacy delivery to serve patients as an option.
• Document Interactions: Diligently document any encounters with law enforcement in the medical record.

Training for ICE Encounters and Raids

More hospitals are now training their teams on how to handle ICE presence or potential raids, including:

• Knowing when and how to request proper identification and legal documentation from agents.
• Turning to hospital risk management or legal counsel when there’s uncertainty.
• Maintaining privacy and security for all patients.

Making Policy and Advocacy Part of the Job

The American Nurses Association highlights our ethical responsibility to treat every patient with compassion and respect, regardless of immigration status. As nurses, our role extends beyond bedside care—we are called to be advocates for the vulnerable, to have clear and compassionate policies, and to ensure our healthcare settings are sanctuaries, not places of potential additional trauma. Advocacy includes connecting patients with legal and community resources, safeguarding confidentiality, and holding ourselves and our institutions accountable for upholding dignity and trust.

Leading with empathy, we build bridges of understanding and safety, meeting patients where they are emotionally as well as physically. In today’s climate, nurses stand as the healthcare system’s most trusted voices for safety and well-being. By staying informed, fostering trust, and embracing compassionate leadership, we can ensure our hospitals truly remain spaces of healing, hope, and justice for everyone who walks through our doors.

🤔Nurses, share your thoughts in the discussion forum below.