MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A wave of apprehension grips Minnesota as the heightened presence of immigration enforcement has led to alarming consequences for healthcare. Stories are emerging of pregnant women missing medical appointments, patients with serious illnesses disappearing from treatment, and hospital staff afraid to show up for work.
At a recent news conference, Dr. Roli Dwivedi, a physician practicing for over 19 years, testified, I have never seen this level of chaos and fear, not even during the pandemic. Local doctors shared disturbing anecdotes of delayed treatments, with some patients even delivering their babies at home alone in fear of visiting clinics.
Last year, the Trump administration lifted protections preventing immigration enforcement from operating in sensitive areas like hospitals and schools, which has only intensified the crisis.
Healthcare providers are pleading for community support, as many in vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and those in critical need of medication, have avoided seeking help due to fear of deportation. This situation has created a serious lifecycle threat as many patients, especially women, are missing essential prenatal care and turning to unsafe home births out of concern for their safety.
The impact of this crackdown has also led to tensions in the Twin Cities, as activists rally against federal agencies, raising questions over the balance of law enforcement and community health care access.
