This week, the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) hosted two community conversations to give members space to process and discuss the recent federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Minnesota and its impact on patient care.
Family physicians shared deep concerns for their patients, colleagues and themselves. Across the state, physicians report feeling overwhelmed and in need of clear guidance and support.
Members also highlighted gaps in available resources, protocols and protections from their health care systems that would help support patient care and physician well-being.
During these conversations, family physicians identified the following areas for guidance and support (this list is not exhaustive):
- Training on legal rights and protections relevant to physicians in their professional roles.
- Clear guidance on how to respond to ICE presence in hospitals and clinics.
- Use of health care facilities as trusted community resource hubs.
- Assurance of job protection for employees participating in lawful direct action outside work hours.
- Guidance on providing home care visits.
- Support for medication delivery.
- Training for health care staff on recognizing different types of judicial warrants.
- Printed, patient-facing materials on ICE presence, patient rights and health care/community resources.
- Information and assurance about medical malpractice protections when practicing in free clinics or community settings.
- Support and safety planning for physicians in practice, residents and students on work or student visas.
The MAFP opposes policies that restrict access to health care and cause harm. We remain committed to safe, equitable care for all Minnesotans, regardless of immigration status.
We urge Minnesota health care systems to partner with family physicians and community stakeholders to ensure the guidance, resources and protections needed during this time. The MAFP welcomes dialogue about how organizations are supporting physicians, staff and patients in response to these concerns.
