Amid a surge of immigration enforcement actions by the Trump administration, Sharp Coronado Hospital issued a statement on Jan. 31 vowing to provide medical care to all individuals, regardless of immigration status.
Scott Evans, senior vice president and chief executive officer of Sharp HealthCare’s Regional Hospitals, emphasized the hospital’s longstanding dedication to its patients.
“Sharp Coronado Hospital’s focus has always been — and will continue to be — on delivering exceptional care to our community members in a safe and secure environment,” Evans said. “While we are aware of the changes taking place within the new administration, we are considering potential impacts on our operations and have not altered our practices.”
Evans stated that existing California laws protect an individual’s right to seek medical attention without fear of immigration consequences.
“We encourage those who need to seek care to continue to do so without fear of consequences,” he said.
Evans’ statement comes in response to directives issued Jan. 20 by acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman.
These directives rescinded the Biden administration’s 2021 Guidelines for Enforcement Actions in or Near Protected Areas memorandum.
The previous guidelines limited Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforcement actions in designated “sensitive” areas, such as hospitals, schools and places of worship.
In Jan. 21 release, an unnamed DHS spokesperson said the changes are intended to enhance law enforcement’s ability to “catch criminal aliens — including murderers and rapists — who have illegally come to our country.”
Despite changes at the federal level, California law ensures all individuals can access health care services in the state without interference from immigration enforcement.
