This article is reprinted from the Speak Out Now healthcare newsletter at Highland Hospital in Oakland, CA.
Last week ICE officers escorted a patient into the ED, causing concern for staff. But workers were not discouraged, and instead quickly responded. In less than 24 hours, over 200 employees signed a letter asking for stronger policies to protect patients from ICE. One demand: banning ICE in the ED, as their presence could cause panic and prevent people from accessing the healthcare they need. Workers also want to be sure patients in custody have access to HIPAA-protected privacy, legal counsel, and the immigration resources they need.
James Jackson replied to workers’ demands by reminding staff that AHS has policies for when ICE comes. But these policies, while certainly wordy, are inadequate. We, the workers on the ground, know what patients need to stay safe. Though we don’t support ICE in our communities either, we at least want Highland to be a safe place for patients to get care, regardless of immigration status.
Click here to read the article printed in the 10-29-25 Healthcare Newsletter
