In Southern California, many people are avoiding healthcare due to fears of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. This trend has become more pronounced since ICE began its enforcement actions earlier this month, causing significant disruptions in healthcare access for undocumented residents and their families.
Healthcare providers have reported a sharp increase in missed appointments. Clinics that previously had a no-show rate of about 9% are now seeing more than 30% of patients cancel or fail to show up for their scheduled visits. Patients are skipping essential services, including childhood vaccinations and routine health checks, out of fear of being arrested or deported.
Jim Mangia, president of St. John’s Community Health, which serves over 100,000 low-income patients each year, described the situation as chaotic and frightening. Many patients are opting to stay home rather than risk encountering ICE agents while seeking medical care. In response, health centers are adapting by offering virtual appointments, home visits, and pharmacy deliveries to ensure patients can still receive care without leaving their homes.
A recent survey of nonprofit health clinics in Los Angeles County revealed mixed results. While some clinics are experiencing a surge in missed appointments, others have not seen any significant changes. There is no clear data on how many patients are switching to telehealth services to avoid going out.
Concerns about privacy have also been heightened. Earlier this month, reports surfaced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shared personal information of Medicaid enrollees with the Department of Homeland Security, including details about their immigration status. Although no direct enforcement actions have been linked to this data sharing, it has contributed to the anxiety among patients.
The Los Angeles County Department of Health has stated that the mere threat of immigration enforcement near medical facilities undermines public trust and jeopardizes community health. They are working on expanding in-home care options like medication delivery and nurse advice lines for those reluctant to visit in person.
Healthcare providers worry that skipping preventive care could lead to more serious health issues down the line. For example, patients with chronic conditions who miss regular check-ups may end up in emergency rooms with severe complications that could have been avoided with timely care.
As the situation evolves, healthcare workers continue to urge patients to seek the care they need. They stress that delaying treatment can lead to higher costs and greater health risks in the future.