ICE Agents Spotted in Minnesota Hospital Hallways, Disrupting Healthcare

Providers in major cities report training on managing interactions with immigration authorities as patient volumes decline

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Armed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been observed stationed in hospital hallways in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, according to a senior physician at a large hospital. The increased ICE presence is a direct result of the Trump administration's rescission of a Biden-era policy that prohibited immigration enforcement actions in 'sensitive areas', leaving healthcare workers grappling with a new reality where providing care may involve navigating interactions with federal law enforcement.

Why it matters

The situation is impacting more than just patient volume, as doctors are reporting effects on appointment schedules, vaccination rates, and even basic nutritional health. Concerns are mounting about the potential for serious long-term health consequences as individuals become increasingly reluctant to seek medical attention for fear of triggering immigration enforcement.

The details

Providers in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Dallas have recently been instructed on how to manage interactions and requests from immigration authorities. The physician in Minnesota stated that, until recently, involvement in immigration enforcement was not part of their job description. Patients are now entering the hospital already in the custody of ICE agents.

  • In January, the Trump administration rescinded a Biden-era policy that prohibited immigration enforcement actions in 'sensitive areas'.
  • As of September 21, 2025, over 200 flights had been canceled and more than 2,700 delayed, stranding thousands of passengers.
  • A government shutdown in November 2025 led to hundreds of flight cuts at 40 of the busiest US airports.

The players

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

A federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that is responsible for enforcing federal laws governing border control, customs, trade, and immigration.

Biden administration

The administration of President Joe Biden, which had implemented a policy prohibiting immigration enforcement actions in 'sensitive areas' like hospitals.

Trump administration

The administration of former President Donald Trump, which rescinded the Biden-era policy prohibiting immigration enforcement in sensitive areas.

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What they’re saying

“Until recently, involvement in immigration enforcement was not part of their job description.”

— Senior physician, at a large hospital in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota (CNN)

“Patients are now entering the hospital already in the custody of ICE agents.”

— Senior physician, at a large hospital in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota (CNN)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.