This article is reprinted from the Speak Out Now healthcare newsletter at Highland Hospital in Oakland, CA.
On Friday, October 16, at approximately 4:30 PM, ICE agents transported an individual in custody to Highland Hospital. According to information received by ACILEP, two ICE agents dressed in plain clothes were accompanying the individual at the hospital.
Staff and AHS leadership have collaborated to improve AHS policy. However, patients in civil detention are still being treated as if they are in criminal detention. AHS is not following its own policy on patients in immigration custody. SEIU has not yet said anything about the situation.
Alameda sheriffs are directly assisting ICE agents at the hospital which is in total conflict with sanctuary city policies. The hospital parking garage is not supposed to be used for ICE agent parking.
It is also clear from events this weekend that staff were not appropriately trained to respond to ICE. Workers are concerned that AHS is failing to comply with SB81, and not serving our most vulnerable patients. Training AHS staff and administration on how to respond to ICE is not optional under SB81, and staff must be trained immediately.
Click here to read the article printed in the 10-21-26 Healthcare Newsletter
