Immigration Enforcement in Protected Areas—Implications for Health and Equitable Access to Care - Takeaways - MDSpire

Immigration Enforcement in Protected Areas—Implications for Health and Equitable Access to Care

  • By

  • Eric A. Russell

  • Carmelle Wallace

  • May 26, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    The rescission of the Protected Areas Policy by DHS has raised concerns about immigration enforcement in essential community spaces.

  • 2

    A study found an 11.2% decrease in adult and 13.4% decrease in pediatric emergency department visits among undocumented immigrants post-policy change.

  • 3

    Immigration enforcement policies create barriers that deter not only undocumented immigrants but also eligible individuals from accessing health care.

  • 4

    The chilling effect of anti-immigrant rhetoric has historically led to decreased health care utilization among immigrant populations.

  • 5

    Threats of immigration enforcement in sensitive locations negatively impact mental health and exacerbate health disparities in affected communities.

Original Source(s)

Immigration Enforcement in Protected Areas—Implications for Health and Equitable Access to Care

  • by Eric A. Russell, Carmelle Wallace

  • May 26, 2026

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