ICE raids have sown fear in our communities, carried out with militaristic posturing and without regard for civil rights or legal norms. Hospitals—once safe spaces where all could seek care and healing without fear—are no longer safe from ICE’s reach. Federal and state law, including patient privacy protections, are increasingly in conflict with federal policy and practices.

Healthcare workers and patients are forced to contend with the resulting confusion and stress. Immigrant patients are reportedly foregoing care to avoid arrest. Nurses may risk their licenses and face moral injury for complying with unlawful orders.

In this unprecedented climate, it is incumbent on hospital operators to create an environment of protection and calm. Administrators should provide clear and lawful guidelines and robust training for engaging with immigration enforcement agents’ requests for patient information.

Sadly, managers at HCA-owned Riverside Community Hospital chose exactly the opposite tack when ICE agents demanded information about a detainee who was recovering at the hospital on Saturday. Instead of supporting nurses who attempted to protect this patient’s right to medical privacy, the hospital tried to coerce them into complying with agents’ demands. Adding to the confusion, managers shared ad-hoc policies and conflicting directives. To date, HCA, which is one of the largest, multi-billion-dollar hospital owners in the country, has failed to provide any training or protocols to staff on how to interact with ICE. Smaller hospitals with fewer resources have already done so.

Nurses take an oath to advocate for their patients. They should never be asked to identify patients or discriminate based on nationality or legal status in fulfilling that oath. The oath includes not disclosing personal medical information about patients. If Riverside Community Hospital forces nurses to do so, they will worsen the harm that ICE has already inflicted on our communities.