DHS Responds to Claims of Targeting Hospitals in Minneapolis
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expressed disapproval after the New York Times released a video report titled “Minneapolis pregnant woman faces impossible choice as she hides from ICE.” The report alleges that ICE is conducting operations at hospitals, prompting a strong reaction from DHS.
In a statement on its X account, DHS refuted the claims made by the Times. They stated, “@nytimes should be ashamed of this attempt to smear DHS law enforcement. ICE does not police hospitals, and rightly so. We only enter hospitals when there is a serious risk to public safety.” The department emphasized that they respond to situations where people may be obstructing access to care for Minnesotans.
Furthermore, the statement pointed out that pregnancies in ICE custody are quite rare, representing just 0.133% of all individuals detained. According to DHS, pregnant women in custody receive regular prenatal care, mental health services, and support that aligns with community standards—essentially the best medical care many have experienced.
In response, the Times’ public relations account highlighted that their video accurately reflects the accounts of pregnant women reportedly avoiding medical care due to DHS’s presence in medical facilities. They noted that the department did not answer specific questions regarding its policies on detaining pregnant women.
The report mentions a Minnesota midwife named Fernanda, who dedicates her time delivering essential supplies to undocumented pregnant women who are concealing themselves from ICE. One of the women, identified as Ana, voiced her worries about the health of both herself and her baby, choosing to switch to virtual appointments due to fear of ICE encounters.
The Times noted that multiple healthcare providers in Minneapolis have reported ICE activity at at least 11 medical centers recently. They referenced a video that allegedly depicts federal agents apprehending individuals outside a specific clinic.
While the DHS acknowledged the Times’ claim that pregnant individuals are rarely detained, they didn’t mention their 2021 policy that generally exempts pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women from detention unless in exceptional cases. In two instances cited, DHS argued the women were in the U.S. illegally and pointed out that pending asylum cases don’t provide legal status.
This developing story has opened further discussions regarding DHS’s role and practices concerning immigration enforcement, especially in sensitive environments like hospitals where vulnerable populations seek care.
