On January 20, 2025, the federal administration rescinded a policy that protected individuals from immigration enforcement in certain spaces such as schools, churches and hospitals. Since then, medical professionals are aware that individuals and families are avoiding seeking necessary medical care out of fear of being profiled, detained or harassed by ICE. [1] Additionally, there are disturbing reports of inappropriate actions by ICE in and around hospitals that have disrupted care for patients and created difficult working environments for medical staff. [2]
 
Emergency rooms and hospitals are places of medical care and compassion. The possibility of interactions with these agents discourages people from seeking care, even when their lives, or the lives of their children, are at risk. These intrusions obstruct the heroic work of doctors, nurses, and other medical staff who provide lifesaving care.
 
The American Medical Association issued a statement on January 26, 2026, saying the organization is
“…deeply concerned by reports of immigration enforcement activity in and around hospitals and emergency rooms—a tactic fueling fear among patients and hospital staff alike. When people are afraid to seek medical attention for themselves or their families, it threatens their health, impedes the ability of physicians to render care, and ultimately undermines basic trust in our health care institutions. To fulfill our oath and best serve our patients, physicians must be able to work in spaces that create a sense of safety for all, not fear for our most vulnerable.”. [3]
 
We are proposing legislation to fortify common-sense restrictions on the ability of federal immigration agents to conduct immigration enforcement activities in hospitals and emergency rooms. All Pennsylvanians are entitled to a safe and welcoming place in their most vulnerable moments. Access to critical healthcare for all human beings must be protected.
 
We have a duty to ensure that medical facilities are inviting, secure, and open to all. We urge our colleagues to join us in upholding that duty by supporting this legislation.
 
[1] Fear of ICE is casting a chill across health care, doctors say | STAT, Feb 3, 2026; https://www.statnews.com/2026/02/03/ice-immigration-crackdown-impact-on-health-care/.
[2] Minnesota residents delay medical care for fear of encountering ICE | CIDRAP, Jan 16, 2026; https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/influenza-general/minnesota-residents-delay-medical-care-fear-encountering-ice.
[3] AMA statement on immigration enforcement at hospitals | American Medical Association, Jan 26, 2026; https://www.ama-assn.org/press-center/ama-press-releases/ama-statement-immigration-enforcement-hospitals.