# Latino Patients Fear ICE in Emergency Care

> Houston study shows Spanish-speaking Latinos delay emergency care due to immigration fears.
- Title: Latino Patients Fear ICE in Emergency Care · Houstonchronicle
- Summary: Houston study shows Spanish-speaking Latinos delay emergency care due to immigration fears. Spanish-speaking Latino patients at Houston hospitals report…
- Keywords: latino, emergency care, ice enforcement, ben taub hospital, houston, immigration fears, emergency department, healthcare access, news, local, Patients, Fear
- Source: Houstonchronicle — https://houstonchronicle.com/health/article/latinos-immigration-fears-emergency-care-22468124.php
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: latino, emergency care, ice enforcement, ben taub hospital, houston, immigration fears, emergency department, healthcare access, news, local
## Houston Study Finds Fear
A study at Ben Taub Hospital and two San Francisco hospitals found Spanish-speaking Latino patients reported greater fear of emergency care over immigration enforcement.
## Patients Delay Care
Nearly half of Spanish-speaking Latino patients said they delayed emergency care due to immigration fears.
## Dr. Molina's Warning
Dr. Melanie Molina urged patients not to delay emergency care, stating delays can have serious health consequences.
## ICE Enforcement Concerns
More than a third of Spanish-speaking Latino participants said they were afraid of seeking emergency department care.
## ICE Arrests in Houston
ICE arrested an Ecuadorian mother and daughter at a hospital in Florida after a car crash in August.
## White House Response
The White House and DHS dismissed the study, calling it a 'political stunt' that demonizes law enforcement.
## ICE Agent Incident
ICE agent may have intentionally hit Houston man with patrol vehicle and could face charges, according to DA.
## Survey Results
64% of Spanish-speaking Latinos felt unsafe living in the U.S., while 52% of English-speaking Latinos felt unsafe.
## Recommendations
The study recommends ensuring emergency departments are seen as safe and accessible for Latino patients.
## Key takeaway

Spanish-speaking Latino patients at Houston hospitals report higher fear of emergency care due to immigration enforcement, leading to delayed medical treatment.