CPCA has obtained fact sheets (Links below) from the National Immigration Law Center that outline when a health center can or cannot refuse entrance to ICE officers. In addition, CPCA, through the office of Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui, sought clarification on this matter through a congressional liaison of ICE. The liaison assured Matsui’s staff of the following:
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A clinic can deny entry to an ICE agent if that agent does not have a search warrant or is not searching for a specific person because the clinic is a private, commercial establishment and can deny entry to anyone they choose.
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However, if ICE is searching for a certain person, then they must grant them access.
As the NILC documents recommend, CCHCs should establish written policies that identify certain areas of the clinic as not open to the public. For example, the waiting room of the facility may be reserved for only patients and those accompanying them; therefore, the public would be required to remain outside the building.
CPCA further recommends that CCHCs document the impact of any raids on their health center including increases in no-shows and the resulting impact on clinic revenue.
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