Federal immigration officers were stationed outside Adventist Health White Memorial Medical Center in Boyle Heights early Saturday, forming a line across the ambulance entrance. The agents blocked the entry for roughly two hours, forcing ambulances to be rerouted to nearby hospitals.
Hospital response
White Memorial’s spokesperson said the agency took an individual into custody and brought the person to the emergency department for undisclosed reasons. The hospital president, Daniel Fontoura, emphasized that the facility does not participate in immigration enforcement and that patient care remains the top priority regardless of immigration status.
“Caring for patients is our first and last call,” Fontoura said. “We will continue to meet with community leaders to ensure every family in Boyle Heights knows White Memorial is here for them.”
City officials react
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the agents’ actions, describing the scene as “frightening at the worst possible moment” for patients and families in crisis. Bass called on the Trump administration to halt all immigration enforcement around health‑care facilities.
City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, who represents Boyle Heights, expressed deep concern and demanded that the hospital disclose any agreements it may have with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Jurado urged the hospital to end any voluntary contracts that allow ICE to operate on its premises.
Law enforcement perspective
The Los Angeles Police Department said officers responded to a disturbance call at the hospital and worked to maintain public safety. Police did not assist ICE with any enforcement activities.
It remains unclear whether any arrests were made in connection with the incident or if the individual taken into custody was released after treatment.
Community impact
Residents of Boyle Heights voiced fear that immigration enforcement could deter families from seeking emergency care. The hospital’s statement reaffirmed its commitment to providing timely, respectful, and culturally sensitive care to all patients, regardless of status.
Mayor Bass pledged to use every lawful tool to protect the community, emphasizing that Los Angeles stands together against policies that threaten public health and safety.
Next steps
Councilmember Jurado announced plans to press for greater transparency regarding any ICE contracts and to pursue stronger protections for patients and health‑care workers. The city council is expected to consider additional resolutions aimed at safeguarding access to medical care without fear of immigration raids.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
