ICE at Hospitals: Public Concerned Over Trump Administration Healthcare Actions | KFF

A new KFF Health Tracking Poll reveals a divided public regarding the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies within healthcare settings. The poll, published April 1, 2026, comes amid reports of increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity at hospitals and the reversal of longstanding policy protecting “sensitive locations” – including healthcare facilities – from immigration enforcement.

The poll indicates that concerns over these actions are largely split along partisan lines. Democrats and independents express greater concern than Republicans regarding the administration’s tactics, according to KFF.

Policy Reversal and Increased ICE Activity

In January 2025, President Trump reversed a policy that had previously shielded sensitive locations, such as hospitals, schools and places of worship, from immigration enforcement activities. This recission, coupled with an overall increase in ICE activity, has led to reports of ICE agents appearing at hospitals and other healthcare facilities, raising concerns among healthcare providers.

The presence of ICE at healthcare facilities represents a significant shift from previous policy, according to a KFF quick take published January 22, 2026. Leaders across state medical care societies in Minnesota held a press conference to highlight their concerns about the impacts of ICE presence on the health and safety of the community, including U.S.-born citizens.

Impact on Patient Care

Doctors have described instances of adults and children foregoing necessary medical care due to fear of encountering ICE agents. This avoidance of care can lead to worse health outcomes and potentially higher costs in the long run, impacting both the U.S. Economy and workforce.

Doctors described examples of adults and children going without care and emphasized that foregone medical care can lead to worse and often more costly health outcomes that can have long-term negative impacts on the U.S. Economy and workforce.

KFF Quick Take, January 22, 2026

While ICE agents are permitted to access public spaces within healthcare facilities, such as lobbies and waiting rooms, without a warrant, they are generally prohibited from entering areas where individuals have a “reasonable expectation of privacy” – including examination rooms, staff offices, and patient rooms – without a judicial warrant, according to constitutional protections.

However, healthcare providers have reported instances of ICE agents accessing medical exam rooms without proper warrants, raising legal and ethical questions.

Broader Health Impacts on Immigrant Communities

The increased ICE presence and restrictive immigration policies are occurring against a backdrop of broader efforts to limit access to health coverage and care for immigrant families. Research indicates that this environment negatively impacts the mental and physical health of immigrant families, including the millions of U.S. Citizen children within them.

KFF has been conducting surveys of immigrants’ health and experiences since 2023 to examine these impacts. The April 1, 2026, Health Tracking Poll provides further insight into public perception of the administration’s policies in healthcare settings.

Constitutional Protections in Healthcare Settings

The Constitution protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. In healthcare settings, this translates to a reasonable expectation of privacy in certain areas. While the exact boundaries of these protections can be complex, the general principle is that law enforcement agents, including ICE, require a warrant to enter spaces where patients receive medical care or where confidential medical information is stored.

The KFF Health Tracking Poll highlights the tension between immigration enforcement and the provision of healthcare, particularly as it relates to the rights and well-being of patients and healthcare providers.

The poll data underscores the need for continued dialogue and clarification regarding the scope of immigration enforcement activities in healthcare facilities to ensure that individuals can access necessary medical care without fear of immigration consequences.