Federal immigration enforcement agents were observed outside Adventist Health White Memorial Medical Center in Boyle Heights early Saturday morning. The agents escorted an individual in custody to the hospital’s emergency department and then formed a line across the ambulance entrance for roughly two hours.
Hospital response
White Memorial’s spokesperson explained that the blockage forced the hospital to divert ambulances to nearby facilities to ensure patients received “timely, respectful, and culturally sensitive care.” Hospital President Daniel Fontoura issued a statement emphasizing that the institution does not participate in immigration enforcement and that patient care remains the hospital’s sole mission. He reassured residents that the hospital has served the Boyle Heights community for more than a century and will continue to protect patient privacy, including immigration status.
City officials react
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the agents’ actions, calling the presence of immigration enforcement at a critical entrance “frightening at the worst possible moment.” She urged the Trump administration to halt all immigration enforcement activities in and around health‑care facilities and pledged to use every lawful tool to protect the community.
City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, who represents Boyle Heights, said she was “deeply troubled” by the reports and called on White Memorial to disclose any agreements it may have with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Jurado emphasized that families deserve emergency care without fear of immigration encounters and urged the hospital to take concrete steps to safeguard patient privacy and staff.
Law‑enforcement involvement
The Los Angeles Police Department responded to a disturbance call at the hospital. Officers were dispatched to maintain public safety and did not assist the federal agents with any enforcement actions. It remains unclear whether any arrests were made in connection with the incident.
Community impact
The episode has heightened concerns among Boyle Heights residents about the safety of seeking medical care when immigration enforcement is present. Hospital leadership has pledged to meet with community leaders and longtime partners to address these concerns and reaffirm the hospital’s commitment to serving every family in the neighborhood.
As details continue to emerge, local officials and the hospital say they will keep the public informed and work toward ensuring uninterrupted, compassionate care for all patients, regardless of immigration status.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
