EVERYONE BELONGS HERE
Creating welcoming, inclusive and safer health care
for immigrants and refugees 

To establish effective policies and procedures for an ICE visit, consider developing/using the following for your insititution:  

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• Algorithm: A quick-reference guide to post in clinical areas.  

• Summary Document: A concise overview for easy access.  

• Detailed Procedures: Comprehensive instructions with rationale.  

• FAQ Document: Answers for staff, integrating content from the algorithm and detailed procedures.  ​

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Key Components for Policies Supporting Patients:  

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• The facility will provide care to all patients, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.  

• Providers will ask about or document country of origin/documentation status only if clinically relevant.  

• Patient presence in the clinic and medical records will not be shared with law enforcement without proper warrants.  

• ICE encounters on institutional property should follow a structured response, similar to a medical emergency (e.g., code blue), with clearly assigned tasks and roles.  

• Define what areas are considered private/non-public property.  

• Staff are prohibited from allowing ICE officers to enter/search without proper authorization.  

• Provide a contact plan for on- and off-duty hours.  

• Train providers and staff in handling “Code Colds” (ICE-related emergencies).  
   

Below are examples of ICE response policies and procedures that can be adapted to fit your institution's needs. For Rapid Response Protocols, please see this page.​

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Local policies such as a Sanctuary City designation can also protect families. We have also included information about Sanctuary Cities here.