Members of National Nurses United gathered across eight states on Thursday, urging Congress to stop funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP).
In California, the nurses held protests at UC San Diego Health’s Hillcrest and La Jolla medical centers, as well as at Palomar Medical Center Poway. Nurse Kendle Hargrove shared their mission: to educate the public and advocate for patients affected by ICE actions.
The nurses argue that ICE poses a significant public health threat. Hargrove emphasized that many patients are afraid to seek medical care due to fears surrounding immigration enforcement. “People in the hospital should feel safe seeking care without worrying about being targeted,” she stated.
This sentiment echoes a broader concern among healthcare professionals, as recent surveys show that nearly 30% of undocumented individuals avoid seeking medical help due to fear of law enforcement. Experts in public health warn that such fears can lead to delayed treatment, worsening health outcomes, and increased strain on the healthcare system.
The protesters are pushing for clear protocols in hospitals, supporting California’s Senate Bill 81. This law prohibits hospitals from sharing patients’ immigration status with ICE unless there’s a legal warrant.
In response to the protests, the Department of Homeland Security stated that ICE does not conduct enforcement operations in hospitals. They clarified that ICE intervention would only occur in cases posing an immediate threat to public safety.
The intersection of healthcare and immigration policy reveals a complex landscape where the wellbeing of vulnerable communities is at stake. As public opinion shifts around immigration issues, it’s crucial for lawmakers to consider the health implications and community safety in their decisions.
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