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Navigating ICE Raids: How FQHCs Can Protect Patients and Staff

In this critical episode, Jill Steeley sits down with Steve Weinman, owner of FQHC Associates and veteran of 40 years in community health, to discuss one of the most pressing challenges facing health centers today: ICE raids and immigration enforcement. They explore the legal protections available to health centers, practical strategies for maintaining patient access, and how to balance mission with safety during uncertain times.

Guest: Steve Weinman, FQHC Associates

Key Topics Discussed

The Current Reality

  • ICE arrests have increased by 1200% in some jurisdictions in 2025
  • Over 460,000 arrests nationwide in 2024, with numbers rising significantly
  • Fear spreading beyond raid locations—even communities that have never experienced ICE activity
  • Patients no-showing appointments due to stay-home alerts on social media networks
  • Impact on preventative care access, leading to more expensive emergency situations



Legal Protections and Rights


  • HIPAA privacy rules remain unchanged—health centers cannot share patient information without judicial warrants
  • Difference between administrative warrants (executive branch documents) and judicial warrants
  • Constitutional rights against unlawful search and seizure still apply
  • Health centers still have the charge to serve everyone, regardless of documentation status
  • Public charge rules have not changed health centers' mission to serve all patients


Staff Protection and Training

  • Importance of written policies kept at front desk workstations
  • Role-playing and training for all staff, especially front desk personnel
  • Clear liaison designation—front desk staff should immediately call management
  • Defining public vs. non-public areas (waiting rooms vs. exam rooms)
  • Locking back areas and requiring buzz-through access
  • Documentation and surveillance cameras in public areas


Facility and Operational Considerations


  • Minimizing "target rich environments"—avoiding lines of patients outside
  • Strategic use of building entrances and parking areas
  • Signage indicating restricted access (with legal guidance)
  • Understanding and leveraging state and local protective laws
  • Balancing federal funding requirements with patient protection


Key Timestamps

  • [00:02:00] - Introduction to Steve Weinman and his background
  • [00:03:00] - Steve's experience in Immokalee, Florida with farm worker population
  • [00:05:00] - Current statistics on ICE arrests and their impact
  • [00:07:00] - Public health implications of healthcare avoidance
  • [00:10:00] - Misconceptions about serving undocumented patients
  • [00:12:00] - HIPAA protections and warrant requirements
  • [00:13:00] - Creating written policies and staff training protocols
  • [00:16:00] - Data collection best practices during this time
  • [00:19:00] - Community partnerships and legal organization connections
  • [00:22:00] - Navigating political polarization within staff
  • [00:24:00] - Expanding telehealth and remote services
  • [00:27:00] - Mobile and outreach services strategies
  • [00:28:00] - Hurricane Wilma story—building community trust
  • [00:30:00] - Off-hours and weekend access expansion
  • [00:35:00] - Balancing federal requirements with patient protection
  • [00:38:00] - Messaging do's and don'ts for...