January 30, 2026

Opposition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement In and Near Medical Facilities

The Oregon Pediatric Society strongly condemns actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that prohibits or affects any child’s ability to access medical care. As pediatricians, we are deeply committed to the health, safety, and well-being of all children in our community, regardless of immigration status or citizenship. Recent actions by immigration officers have caused tremendous harm to children, their families and our community. No parent should be afraid to obtain medical care for their child.

On the morning of January 15, Gresham parents, Yohendro DeJesus Crespo and Darianny Liseth Gonzalez de Crespo [1], sought care for their second-grade, seven-year-old daughter, Diana Crespo, at Adventist Health Portland for a prolonged nosebleed that lasted most of the previous night. However, Diana never received the care she needed because the entire family was arrested by ICE officers in the medical center parking lot. Diana subsequently had fevers while in immigration detention and reportedly did not receive medical attention until six days after the family initially sought care for her. A child who presents with prolonged bleeding and fevers could have a life-threatening condition. Denying prompt evaluation of such a child is unethical, immoral, and cruel.

As pediatricians, we are profoundly angered by this event. We are also deeply disturbed by ICE presence in and around medical facilities. Instead of making our community safer, recent actions by immigration officers put children and their families in considerable danger. Parents now fear taking their children to medical appointments and seeking emergency care, even when conditions are life-threatening.

ICE has terrorized and caused harm to both undocumented and documented immigrants, as well as U.S. citizens. ICE presence in or near medical facilities impacts all those who seek care. As pediatricians, our oath requires us to advocate for the health of all children, regardless of background or status. As a moral society, we share a duty to protect children from harm.

We strongly oppose the presence of ICE officials in and around medical facilities, including parking lots. Moreover, we condemn any actions by immigration agents that prevent full access to medical care or otherwise threaten the health of children, their families and our community.

Click here to download a PDF of this statement.

[1] Diana’s parents had legally been admitted to the United States and have a pending asylum application.