ICE in Minnesota causing public health crisis

Medical residents and healthcare workers in Minnesota took a stand on Friday, January 23, 2026, gathering outside Hennepin County Medical Center in subzero temperatures to protest the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in hospitals. The demonstration, joined by other statewide unions, centered on demands for ICE to leave Minnesota healthcare facilities.

A Public Health Crisis?

Participants voiced concerns that ICE activity is actively creating a “massive public health crisis,” not only in Minnesota but across multiple states, according to Avalon Swenson, an internal medicine resident at a University of Minnesota clinic. This crisis, Swenson explained, manifests as patients avoiding necessary medical care.

Did You Know? On January 7, Renee Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent.

Specifically, patients are foregoing medication pickups and missing crucial appointments, including chemotherapy sessions. Zach Perez, a family medicine resident with Hennepin Healthcare, reported that pregnant individuals at risk are even choosing to deliver their babies at home “because of ICE.”

The Root of the Problem

Perez, speaking to a crowd of approximately 200, characterized the situation as “an entirely preventable public health crisis that is caused by ICE.” He called on state leaders – elected officials, hospital administrators, and business leaders – to collaborate and “rid our community of this disease.”

However, Perez asserted that the issue extends beyond immigration policy. He described the current enforcement actions in Minneapolis as “retribution from this awful administration,” alleging that they are “killing American citizens” and creating fear among both documented and undocumented immigrants.

Expert Insight: The assertion that ICE activity is driving patients away from care highlights a critical tension between immigration enforcement and public health. When individuals fear interacting with healthcare systems, even for essential services, it can lead to delayed diagnoses, worsening conditions, and ultimately, increased healthcare costs.

Long-Term Consequences

If ICE’s presence continues, residents predict a worsening of community health. Untreated conditions are likely to become more severe, potentially requiring more expensive and intensive care down the line. Swenson also expressed concern about the psychological toll, noting that the current situation evokes memories of the trauma experienced following the murder of George Floyd in 2020.

Swenson described a “constant anxiety” and a “baseline kind of fight or flight” response among healthcare providers, fearing for the long-term mental health of Minnesotans and their sense of safety. She also noted that the strain is impacting her colleagues directly, with some “breaking down in the hallway” due to the pressure created by ICE’s presence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific impact is ICE having on pregnant patients?

Zach Perez stated that individuals with at-risk pregnancies have gone into labor at home “because of ICE.”

What is the central demand of the medical residents?

The medical residents are demanding that ICE officers leave hospitals and the state of Minnesota.

What concerns were raised about the emotional well-being of healthcare workers?

Avalon Swenson expressed concern about the anxiety and trauma experienced by her colleagues, particularly those who are immigrants or people of color, due to the presence of ICE.

What role do you believe community health plays in broader social justice movements?