Federal immigration officers were seen outside a Boyle Heights-area hospital overnight, prompting some neighbors and elected officials to protest outside the medical facility.
Adventist Health White Memorial Medical Center confirmed the presence of federal agents on its property early Saturday, saying they transported an individual under their custody to the facility. A spokesperson for the hospital said the individual was taken to the medical center’s emergency room department for undisclosed reasons and that the agents blocked the entrance to the ER for two hours.
“When agents formed a line across our ambulance entrance, which we did not request nor authorize, we diverted ambulances to nearby hospitals for about two hours to ensure every patient received timely, respectful, and culturally sensitive care,” the spokesperson said.
An ICE spokesperson shared a statement with NBC Los Angeles on Saturday evening, which said, in part: “For operational security and the safety of our officers, ICE will not disclose or discuss law enforcement operations.”
The agency also said it does not target hospitals, as well as schools and churches, saying, “This is just another false narrative to try to demonize our brave ICE law enforcement.” See below for the agency’s full statement.
Video from the scene shows a tense standoff between agents and neighbors calling for them to leave.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said two U.S. citizens were later arrested and charged for assaulting a federal officer. Details about the alleged assaults were not provided.
State and local leaders and community members came together to speak out against what happened, saying the hospital needs to do more to make people feel safe to seek care.
“We want to clarify the hospital’s coordination with ICE,” Sen. Maria Elena Durazo said. “What is that coordination?”
The hospital’s president, Daniel Fontoura, issued the following statement on the matter:
“Caring for patients is our first and last call. White Memorial is a place of healing and safety for everyone, regardless of immigration status.
“I want to be clear: White Memorial does not participate in immigration enforcement, does not facilitate immigration operations, and will not allow immigration enforcement activities to compromise our commitment to patient care and safety. Our role is care. Every patient brought to our hospital receives timely, respectful, and culturally sensitive care, and we protect their medical information, including immigration status.
“I know many of you are afraid. Every family in Boyle Heights should know they can come to us for care without fear. For more than 100 years, White Memorial has been your hospital, and that will not change.
“As we have in the past, we will continue to meet with community leaders, our longtime partners, to work together and ensure that every family in Boyle Heights knows White Memorial is here for them.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the agents’ actions in blocking the entrance to the emergency department.
“Overnight, federal immigration agents gathered in force outside of the ambulance bay at Adventist Health White Memorial Medical Center in Boyle Heights, effectively sealing off a critical entrance. For patients and families in medical crises, that presence was frightening at the worst possible moment.
“A hospital should be the one place where people feel safe. No one should have to think twice about receiving care or fear that a loved one’s treatment could be interrupted because of their immigration status.
“I condemn ICE’s action and call on the Trump Administration to stop all immigration enforcement in and around health care facilities. Hospital leadership also had a duty to step in right away to protect patients and neighbors, and by all appearances, that did not happen.
“All of Los Angeles stands with Boyle Heights, and we will use every lawful tool available to protect the community. Because in Los Angeles, we stand together, and we fight.”
Los Angeles Mayor-elect Nithya Raman said in a statement posted to social media that she was “appalled” by the incident.
“Every Angeleno should be able to get medical care without worrying about being deported and torn from their loved ones,” her statement on X read, in part. “Angelenos should not have to live in fear. ICE has no place in Los Angeles.”
See below for Raman’s full statement.
Raman has been a longtime outspoken critic of ICE. Tracey Leong reports for the NBC4 News on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026.
In response to the federal agents’ presence at the hospital, Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, who oversees Boyle Heights, said she was “deeply troubled by reports of ICE activity” outside the facility.
As part of her statement, Jurado said, “The families I represent deserve to seek emergency care without fearing an encounter with immigration enforcement.” She also said she’s calling on the hospital to disclose and end any agreements it may have with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement. See below for the Councilmember’s full statement.
The Los Angeles Police Department said officers were called to the area of the hospital for a disturbance involving a large group and that no one was detained. A department spokesperson said officers responded to “maintain public safety and keep the peace.” They added that police officers did not help federal agents with any enforcement activities.
White Memorial said it called 911 to ask the LAPD for help.
Experts say federal law allows ICE agents to access public areas in hospitals, like parking lots. In California, a state law, Senate Bill 81, passed last year bars immigration agents from private areas like patient rooms unless they have a warrant or court order.
Read below for ICE’s full statement:
“For operational security and the safety of our officers, ICE will not disclose or discuss law enforcement operations.
“Every day, DHS enforces the laws of the nation across the country including in California.
“DHS is taking appropriate and constitutional measures to uphold the rule of law but condemns dangerous and unlawful actions that obstruct federal operations and endanger the safety of everyone involved, including protesters, bystanders, detainees, and law enforcement officers.
“We remind the public that obstructing law enforcement is a federal crime and assaulting law enforcement is a felony.
“ICE law enforcement officers are trained to use the minimum amount of force necessary to resolve dangerous situations to prioritize the safety of the public and our officers. Officers are highly trained in de-escalation tactics and regularly receive ongoing use of force training, and they are entrusted with upholding the rule of law and are held to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct.
“Violence against ICE officers, or any law enforcement personnel, will not be tolerated. Our officers carry out their Congressionally mandated duties in service to public safety and the rule of law. Any bystander or individual who assaults, obstructs, or violently attacks officers will be subject to arrest and prosecution permitted by law.
“ICE does not target hospitals, schools, or churches. This is just another false narrative to try to demonize our brave ICE law enforcement, who are facing more than a 1,600% increase in assaults, a 3,300% increase in vehicle attacks, and an 8,000% increase in death threats. Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S.
“ICE has authority for lawful arrests where authorized under 8 USC 1357. Law enforcement officers use ‘reasonable suspicion’ to investigate immigration status and probable cause to make arrests consistent with the statute and the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The Supreme Court has already vindicated us on these practices.”
Read below for Mayor-elect Raman’s full statement:
“I’m appalled by what took place last night at White Memorial hospital in Boyle Heights, where ICE agents were obstructing emergency room entry and detained two US citizens. I condemn these reckless actions by the Trump administration.
“This afternoon, I stood alongside Supervisor-Elect Durazo, Assemblymember Gonzalez, Councilmember Jurado, Proyecto Pastoral Executive Director Roman and advocates to demand accountability and transparency around these actions.
“Every Angeleno should be able to get medical care without worrying about being deported and torn from their loved ones. Angelenos should not have to live in fear. ICE has no place in Los Angeles.
“On Tuesday, voters sent Donald Trump a clear message: get ICE out of our cities and states. Immigrants should feel safe in their own neighborhoods. And we will continue to offer legal defense, support rapid response, and ensure city resources never help ICE terrorize our neighbors.
“To the families of Boyle Heights: you are not alone. This is your city. You belong here, and we will support you.
“If you or someone you know needs immigration rights support, please contact: LA Raids and Rapid Response Network Hotline: (888) 624-4752 Immigrant Defenders Law Center Rapid Response Legal Hotline: (213) 833-8283 BHIRN Rapid Response Hotline: (323) 805-1049.”
Read below for Councilmember Jurado’s full statement:
“No one should be afraid to go to the hospital. As the Councilmember representing Boyle Heights, I am deeply troubled by reports of ICE activity and detentions outside White Memorial Hospital overnight. The families I represent deserve to seek emergency care without fearing an encounter with immigration enforcement.
“I am calling on Adventist Health White Memorial to publicly disclose its agreements with ICE and end any voluntary medical-services contract with the agency. Every patient, including anyone in federal custody, must continue to receive appropriate, uninterrupted medical care. Hospital leadership must take immediate, concrete steps to protect patient privacy, support healthcare workers who advocate for their patients, and ensure that medical decisions remain with patients and their care teams.
“ICE continues to wreak havoc in our neighborhoods, separating families, disrupting livelihoods, and creating fear around the most basic parts of daily life. When that fear reaches the emergency room, it puts the health of our entire community at risk. A parent bringing in a sick child or a person experiencing a medical emergency should be focused on getting help.
“Earlier this year, I introduced a resolution, since adopted by the City Council, supporting stronger protections for patients and healthcare providers from immigration enforcement in medical settings. I will continue pressing for safeguards that protect access to care and hold institutions accountable to the communities they serve.
“White Memorial serves the Boyle Heights community. Its leadership owes our residents clear answers about what happened overnight and concrete steps to protect patients, families, and staff. Our residents deserve a hospital they can trust with their lives.
“These comments reflect the information currently available. As details continue to emerge, I will press for a full and accurate account of what occurred.”