The threat of immigration enforcement and presence of law enforcement at health care facilities deters immigrants and communities of color from seeking needed medical services. Border communities are particularly vulnerable given the frequent presence of U.S. Border Patrol agents at hospitals, which is compounded by the enforcement actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that threaten immigrant communities across the country.
The impact of immigration officials’ presence and actions at health care facilities is especially acute during times of public health crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Health care providers should be informed of their rights, the rights of their patients, and the steps they can take to protect their patients and ensure access to care without fear or discrimination.
To that end, this guide provides information to hospitals, medical centers, community health centers, other health care facilities, health care professionals, medical associations, and advocates on how to prepare for and respond to:
- enforcement actions by immigration officials;
- interactions with law enforcement that could result in immigration consequences for their patients;
- and law enforcement presence that deters access to care.
*For footnotes and bibliography, please reference the PDF version of this resource below.
Overview of Immigrant Eligibility for Federal Programs
Updated Oct 6, 2026 This resource focuses on eligibility and other rules governing immigrants’ access to federal public benefits programs. Originally published in November 2015.
What Immigrants Need to Know About the New ACA Eligibility Restrictions
Sarah Krieger
Published Oct 9, 2026 Congress has ensured that immigrant families will struggle more to afford health coverage and necessary care when open enrollment begins next month.