Minnesota Physicians Urge Congressional Delegation to Restrict ICE, CBP Activities in Healthcare Facilities and Other Sensitive Locations, and to Ensure Access to Medical Care at Detention Facilities

February 6, 2026

On February 5, the Minnesota Medical Association (MMA), along with several other physician advocacy groups, sent a letter to the Minnesota Congressional Delegation urging Congress, as a condition of ongoing funding for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to restrict U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) activities in or near healthcare facilities and other sensitive locations, and to hold DHS accountable for ensuring that detainees are provided with appropriate medical care, food, water, and other basic human needs.  

“Since the start of ‘Operation Metro Surge’, we have received troubling reports of ICE and CBP enforcement activity in and near hospitals, clinics, and schools,” the letter says. “This activity is, understandably, having a negative impact on the health and safety of your fellow Minnesotans.” 

The letter goes on to say: “We urge Congress to conduct rigorous oversight to ensure DHS compliance with current detention standards for care to ensure detainees have safe and sanitary conditions and access to appropriate medical care.”  

The other physician advocacy groups signing onto the letter include: the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians, Minnesota Chapter of the American College of Physicians, Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Minnesota Psychiatric Society, Minnesota Association of Geriatrics Inspired Clinicians, Minnesota Association of African American Physicians, Minnesota Dermatological Society, Minnesota Radiological Society, and the Minnesota Society of Clinical Oncology. 

Latest Press Releases

Doctors Warn: Be Extra Cautious This Fourth of July, and Let the Experts Handle the Fireworks

June 29, 2026

This Fourth of July, Minnesota physicians are once again urging their fellow Minnesotans to leave the fireworks up to the professionals.

Minnesota Physicians Urge Minnesotans to Apply Sunscreen, Cover Up, and Take Precautions to Avoid Skin Cancer

June 3, 2026

Now that summer weather has arrived, Minnesota physicians are urging their fellow Minnesotans to take the summer sun seriously and take precautions to prevent skin cancer.

Minnesota Physicians Focus on Five Priorities for Legislative Session

February 11, 2026

The state’s largest advocacy group for Minnesota physicians and physicians-in-training will advocate for five key legislative priorities at the Capitol this session, which begins February 17. The group will hold its annual Physicians’ Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, March 4, bringing together physicians and physicians-in-training from across the state to meet with their elected officials.

“Dozens of healthcare-related bills go through the Capitol each session,” said Lisa Mattson, MD, the Minnesota Medical Association’s (MMA) president. “But to make an impact for patients and medical practice in Minnesota, we really need to focus our efforts on a few top issues.”