• Migrants are increasingly skipping necessary medical care, including treatment for injuries and chronic illnesses, out of fear of ICE apprehension and deportation.
• Healthcare providers report a rise in patient anxiety and missed appointments following announcements of mass deportations and the rescinding of policies protecting sensitive locations.
• The trend is raising concerns about potential public health consequences, including the spread of infectious diseases and increased healthcare costs associated with untreated conditions.

Across the United States, medical professionals are observing a disturbing trend: migrants are forgoing essential medical care due to a heightened fear of being apprehended by immigration officials. This fear has been amplified by policy shifts, including announcements of mass deportations and the rollback of protections for sensitive locations like hospitals. The consequences of this avoidance pose significant risks to individual health and broader public health outcomes.

• What: Migrants are avoiding medical care, including emergency treatment and care for chronic conditions, because they fear being apprehended and deported by ICE.
• Who: Primarily undocumented migrants, doctors, nurses, social workers, and KFF (a health policy research organization).
• When: The trend has increased since the Trump administration announced plans for mass deportations and rescinded a Biden-era policy.
• Where: Across the United States, with specific mention of New York City.

The avoidance of medical care by migrants, driven by fear of deportation, presents a complex challenge. The policy changes and enforcement strategies implemented by the Trump administration have created a climate of fear, directly impacting healthcare access and potentially undermining public health efforts. The long-term implications include increased healthcare costs due to untreated conditions, potential outbreaks of infectious diseases, and adverse outcomes for pregnant women. The KFF survey data provides quantitative evidence of the psychological and physical toll that immigration-related anxieties are taking on this population.

‘If I go to the emergency department, that will put me on their radar.’

The documented trend of migrants avoiding medical care due to fear of ICE apprehension poses a critical public health challenge, exacerbated by restrictive immigration policies and enforcement practices that foster a climate of fear and distrust. This avoidance leads to delayed treatment, increased emergency room visits for preventable conditions, and the spread of infectious diseases, impacting both individual health and broader community well-being. Addressing this multifaceted issue necessitates policy changes that ensure access to healthcare regardless of immigration status, promote cultural diversity training for healthcare providers, and safeguard patient privacy. Furthermore, it requires innovative strategies to support safety-net healthcare facilities, address language barriers, and build trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement. A comprehensive approach must consider the detrimental mental health outcomes associated with fear of deportation and extended detention, advocating for alternatives to detention and promoting policies that foster inclusive and equitable healthcare access for all.