Union Highlights: Protecting Immigrants and Refugees in Our Facilities

As part of a plan for mass deportations, one of the Trump administration’s first moves in January was to allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids at hospitals (and schools, churches, and other sensitive locations). In response, AFT President Randi Weingarten called out the “un-American” policy and asked President Trump to reconsider (see go.aft.org/4h2), noting that: “Hospitals are supposed to be safe and welcoming places. A policy that allows law enforcement to destroy that environment will cause irreparable harm, indelibly scarring not only immigrant families, but all families.”

Weingarten also ensured that AFT members have resources to try to protect patients. The enhanced Immigration (go.aft.org/dms) section of the AFT’s website provides critical information and toolkits in English and Spanish, including suggested protocols for hospitals and clinics. 

Have you witnessed or experienced an immigration enforcement action in your community?

The AFT is working with community partners on a rapid response to help our immigrant communities. Please go to go.aft.org/hwg and report enforcement actions in your hospital or community to help us mobilize resources and provide support to those impacted. All reports are confidential.

[Photo credit: Paul Becker / Wikimedia Commons]