Advocates say ICE has ‘impeded upon’ access to health care, education

As thousands of federal immigration agents continue their occupation in Minnesota, more residents are reporting they’re afraid to go about their daily lives.

Advocates who spoke at the State Capitol on Tuesday say the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is impeding access to education and medical care.

Health care

Physicians from across Minnesota say they’ve heard from people who are afraid to come to hospitals and clinics, even if they’re U.S. citizens, because they might be questioned about their immigration status.

“There are reports of ICE agents refusing to leave the room for private exams or while patients were getting bed baths,” said Dr. Lisa Mattson, president of the Minnesota Medical Association. “There are also reports of staff experiencing rude and harassing behavior from ICE agents.”

Dr. Roli Dwivedi of the Minnesota Academy of Physicians said she has “never seen this level of chaos and fear” in her time in the medical field. Another doctor said an increasing number of pregnant women are choosing home births even when it’s not considered safe.

In response, physicians say they’re working to increase home health visits, mobile visits and telehealth appointments to meet the needs of patients who don’t feel safe leaving their homes.

Education

Meanwhile, high school and college students said the ICE crackdown is putting parents and students alike at risk.

“My classmates are having their right to higher education impeded upon because ICE agents are harassing them while they’re just trying to get to class,” said Blair Spina, a student at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. “[There are] students who are parents themselves with traumatized children at home because ICE were at their school as well.”

The students say they plan to participate in a general strike and large-scale school walkout planned for Friday to protest ICE actions in Minnesota.
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