Federal immigration officers gathered outside Adventist Health White Memorial in Los Angeles early Saturday after bringing a detainee to the emergency department for treatment, according to the federal prosecutor’s account reported by CBS Los Angeles. Their presence drew protesters to the Boyle Heights hospital.
Bill Essayli, the top federal prosecutor in Los Angeles, said two people were arrested on allegations of assaulting federal officers. The Associated Press reported that immigration officers blocked the emergency room driveway. The Department of Homeland Security told AP that ICE does not target hospitals and did not explain the officers’ presence there.
Hospital president Daniel Fontoura said White Memorial does not participate in immigration enforcement and would protect access to patient care. LAist reported that local leaders delivered a letter to the hospital seeking answers about the encounter.