FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laurie Laker
(c) 612-741-0662
laurie.laker@mnnurses.org
(St. Paul) – April 16, 2025 – In response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents entering and arresting a hospital employee at the MNA-represented Avera hospital in Marshall, Minnesota, the MNA Board of Directors reaffirms their position that nurses should not and will not serve any role in immigration enforcement and hopes that all hospital employees will also reject a role in assisting ICE.
A full statement regarding MNA’s position on safeguarding and protecting those who we serve and care for as nurses reads as follows:
As nurses and healthcare professionals, our primary responsibility is to provide compassionate, ethical, and high-quality care to all patients, regardless of their background, status, or circumstance. We are not agents of law enforcement, nor do we serve any role in immigration enforcement. Our duty is to our patients—to their health, their dignity, and their well-being.
We recognize that immigrants, refugees, and other vulnerable populations often face systemic barriers, targeted discrimination, and heightened fear when seeking medical care. Let us be clear: every individual deserves access to safe, unbiased, and confidential healthcare. No one should ever hesitate to seek medical attention out of fear of exposure, judgment, or reprisal.
Patient privacy is a fundamental right, protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This means that all sensitive patient information remains strictly confidential and will never be shared with outside entities, including immigration authorities, without explicit legal obligation or patient consent. Nurses and healthcare workers are bound by our ethical and legal commitments to safeguard this trust, ensuring that no one is denied care due to fear of persecution or discrimination.
Furthermore, we stand firmly against policies or practices that seek to marginalize or criminalize immigrant communities. The integrity of our profession rests on the belief that healthcare is a human right. We advocate for policies that protect immigrant patients, support their access to healthcare, and uphold their dignity. We will not be complicit in any actions that undermine these principles.
To all those who may feel afraid or uncertain: Know that you are safe in our care. Know that your rights and privacy are protected. Know that we, as nurses and healthcare providers, are unwavering in our commitment to your health and humanity. No matter where you come from or what challenges you face, we are here to provide care without fear, without judgment, and without exception.
