ICE Enforcement Activities are Impeding Immigrants from Seeking Necessary Medical Care

Health systems and physicians are reporting concerns that crackdowns by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), particularly in metropolitan areas, such as Minneapolis, are making immigrants afraid to leave their home. This fear has led to a significant increase in missed medical appointments and fewer vaccines administered to immigrant populations. Some providers are turning to telehealth and even in-home visits to provide necessary care. In a recent press conference held in Minnesota, physicians described instances of adults and children foregoing care, which can result in worse and costlier health outcomes. The American Medical Association (AMA) expressed serious concerns with ICE enforcement activities in and around hospitals, saying these actions are preventing immigrants from seeking vital medical care.