ICE raids, National Guard, force immigrants to skip healthcare clinics, food programs

Federal immigration raids are sending ripples through Los Angeles County services, causing patients to skip medical appointments, reject free or reduced-price food or meals, or not attend immigration hearings — all for fear of being swept up and arrested.

One consequence of avoiding preventative medical care is that a health problem can worsen, and fearful residents head to hospital emergency rooms where staff are required to take all comers, causing long waits and stressing the county’s healthcare budget, the county reported.