Los Angeles General Medical Center clarified Thursday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement has not conducted any raids or immigration enforcement actions on its medical campus, amid concerns raised in the community.
Officials emphasized that while the hospital does at times provide medical care to patients brought in by various law enforcement agencies — including ICE detainees — it remains committed to delivering care to “anyone and everyone,” regardless of their background or circumstances.
“However, we want to be clear that ICE has not visited our medical campus as part of an ICE raid or any other immigration enforcement activity,” the hospital said in a statement.
“We understand that the mere threat of immigration enforcement near any medical facility undermines public trust and jeopardizes community health. ”
The statement concluded by reaffirming the hospital’s stance that health care is a human right and that LA General remains a welcoming and confidential place for all who seek treatment.
The hospital is the largest public medical facility in Los Angeles County and operates one of the nation’s busiest Level 1 trauma centers and emergency departments. A Level I Trauma Center is a comprehensive medical facility that provides the highest level of care for patients with severe injuries, including rehabilitation.