Immigration Enforcement and Healthcare Access in New York City

Fears of immigration enforcement have led some New Yorkers to hesitate accessing health services under the Trump administration, according to healthcare workers and immigrant rights advocates. While reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducting enforcement actions within city hospitals have been limited, policy changes and data-sharing initiatives have heightened concerns among vulnerable communities.

Policy Shifts and Increased Concerns

In January 2025, the Trump administration lifted restrictions on enforcement actions at “sensitive locations,” including hospitals [1]. This change fueled anxieties about ICE officers operating within healthcare facilities. The administration has allowed ICE to access certain biographical information about individuals receiving public health benefits, potentially providing another avenue for enforcement [2].

Limited Enforcement in Hospitals, but Persistent Worries

The Greater New York Hospital Association reported that ICE activity in hospitals has not increased during President Trump’s second term. Immigration lawyers also indicate that enforcement within hospitals remains uncommon. However, concerns persist among healthcare workers, including New York City nurses who previously went on strike, regarding enforcement and appropriate hospital responses.

Some doctors and nurses have occasionally observed ICE agents on hospital campuses. Reports of increased ICE presence in cities targeted by federal crackdowns, such as Minneapolis and Los Angeles, have also contributed to these worries.

Data Sharing and its Impact

Immigration lawyers and advocates are particularly focused on advising undocumented New Yorkers about the risks associated with the federal government’s data-sharing initiative. This initiative involves information linked to programs like emergency Medicaid, which provides emergency care for undocumented immigrants.

Strengthening Patient Protections

Healthcare workers across New York City are advocating for stronger policies and legislation to protect patients’ rights if ICE agents enter healthcare facilities. An incident at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens in January 2025 raised concerns.

The Elmhurst Hospital Incident

In that case, an ICE agent was initially denied entry to Elmhurst Hospital, but was later escorted by a hospital police officer and administrator to serve a patient a notice to appear in immigration court [Source Gothamist – not in web search results, but referenced in source content]. The patient, who spoke Spanish, may not have understood the English-language notice. The report noted the ICE agent did not possess a judicial warrant.

Becca Telzak, deputy director of Craft the Road, emphasized the need to ensure sanctuary policies are properly followed to prevent similar incidents.

City and State Responses

City Hall spokesperson Sneha Choudhary clarified that NYC Health and Hospitals is not covered by local “sanctuary city” laws due to its status as a public benefit corporation established by the state. However, the hospital system has adopted operating procedures mirroring those covering other city agencies.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued an executive order encouraging Health and Hospitals to audit policies, disseminate protocols, and implement training consistent with New York’s sanctuary laws. NYC Health and Hospitals is partnering with the mayor’s office to review policies related to interactions with federal law enforcement.

ICE’s Stance on Enforcement in Hospitals

ICE spokesperson Marie Ferguson stated that “ICE does not conduct enforcement at hospitals — period” [Source Gothamist – not in web search results, but referenced in source content]. Enforcement actions would only occur in cases of active danger to public safety or when accompanying a patient in custody receiving medical care.

Protecting Patient Data

Concerns extend to the potential sharing of patient data with ICE. ICE reached an agreement with the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to access a large amount of patient data last summer. A federal judge rejected a challenge from New York and other states in December, allowing ICE to continue accessing limited biographical, location, and contact information.

The state Department of Health reports that monthly Medicaid enrollment data is submitted to the federal government, excluding vulnerable enrollees. Enrollment in emergency Medicaid does not automatically transmit data to the federal government, but filing a claim for reimbursement does.

Ongoing Efforts and Future Outlook

Governor Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers are considering measures to restrict federal immigration agents from public hospitals and other sensitive locations. Healthcare workers with the Health Justice for New York coalition are urging the City Council to include Health and Hospitals in legislation strengthening city sanctuary laws. Healthcare providers are seeking training on ICE protocols and patient rights.