LA County Strengthens Hospital Protections During ICE Activities
Los Angeles County Board Moves to Enhance Protections at Medical Facilities
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion on Tuesday aimed at bolstering protections for patients, visitors, and staff at county-operated medical facilities, in response to heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.
Crafted by Supervisors Hilda Solis and Holly Mitchell, the motion mandates the formation of an internal committee comprising experienced hospital personnel, county legal advisors, and representatives from the Office of Immigrant Affairs. This committee will oversee the implementation of the new protections.
The newly established group is tasked with coordinating staff training and developing recommendations to enhance operational guidelines in line with the board’s directive.
In the next 30 days, county staff will present further recommendations aimed at collaborating with health plans, community clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare providers throughout the region. The goal is to establish best practices for safeguarding patients and staff during encounters with civil law enforcement.
"Across the county, residents and healthcare professionals have expressed deep concern about the presence of federal immigration enforcement activity in medical facilities," said Solis in a statement. "Today’s action will help ensure county employees have clear guidance and protocols in place so our hospitals and healthcare settings remain safe, trusted, and accessible spaces for all who rely on them."
Previously, Los Angeles County adopted a Sensitive Locations Policy, which prohibits the use of county resources for civil immigration enforcement. Additionally, the Department of Health Services has put into effect the DHS Civil Law Enforcement Agencies and Protocol for Patients in Civil Detention policy, providing clear guidelines for hospital staff during interactions with law enforcement.
"When our residents seek medical care, their focus should be on that—not on the fear, trauma, and uncertainty created by the presence of immigration enforcement, which has no business being in our hospitals," stated Mitchell. "This motion is about protecting the integrity of our healthcare system, ensuring hospitals remain safe and trusted spaces for all patients, and equipping our dedicated healthcare workers with the tools and guidance they need to respond appropriately and safely in the event of immigration enforcement activity."
County officials noted an increase in interactions between hospitals and civil law enforcement since the onset of the administration’s immigration enforcement initiatives in 2025. Concerns have been raised about patient privacy, access to care, and overall safety within healthcare settings.
