Increased Immigration Enforcement: Implications for Medical Groups

The Trump Administration has immediately moved to more aggressive enforcement of the Nation’s immigration laws. One aspect of this initiative is the increased number and intensity of searches undertaken by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) agents designed to locate and arrest suspected illegal immigrants, particularly those with criminal records. The likelihood of ICE agents arriving unannounced at MGMA member practices has increased, although to what extent remains highly uncertain.

This memorandum suggests several common-sense steps practices can take to better prepare for that possibility and respond if it occurs on their premises. These steps are in no way intended to substitute for legal advice which takes into account the specific facts and circumstances of a particular practice or a specific encounter with immigration enforcement personnel. Thus, practices are encouraged to seek input from their own counsel as part of any preparations they choose to make.