Hospital in Los Angeles, California, Says Federal Agents Blocked Emergency Entrance for Two Hours

The two reports attached to this story carry headlines about other events, a fireworks incident near Whittier and a pedestrian crash in Arlington Heights. The text of both reports concerns Adventist Health White Memorial Medical Center in Boyle Heights, so this account is limited to the hospital episode. Federal immigration agents were seen outside the hospital overnight, and neighbors and elected officials protested.

The hospital confirmed that agents were on its property early Saturday and said they transported an individual in their custody to the emergency room. A hospital spokesperson said the agents blocked the emergency room entrance for two hours. The hospital also said it diverted ambulances to nearby hospitals for about two hours after agents formed a line across the ambulance entrance. One report adds that the hospital did not request or authorize that action.

Video from the scene shows a tense standoff between agents and neighbors who were calling on them to leave. Hospital president Daniel Fontoura said White Memorial does not participate in immigration enforcement and protects patients’ medical information, including immigration status, a commitment to protecting vulnerable patients (Proverbs 31:8-9). Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the agents’ actions in blocking the emergency department entrance.

ICE said in a statement to NBC Los Angeles that it will not disclose or discuss law enforcement operations for operational security reasons. A second report says an ICE spokesperson gave a similar response to the station on Saturday evening. Sen. Maria Elena Durazo said the hospital’s coordination with ICE needed to be clarified.