Protesters gathered outside Glendale Memorial Hospital where federal immigration agents waited for a detained patient to recover. Hospital officials cite existing policies that guide responses when law enforcement brings in someone under arrest and say staff prioritize patient care and safety. A hospital spokesperson noted visitation may be limited or denied if a law enforcement agency flags safety concerns. Hospital security called police after a family member pressed for information. Two people who intervened were charged with felonies for assaulting a federal officer and conspiring to obstruct duties; the felony counts were later dismissed and misdemeanor pleas followed.
"This is nothing new to hospitals," said Lois Richardson, vice president and counsel at the California Hospital Association.
"We get inmates, detainees, arrestees all the time, whether it's police, sheriff, highway patrol, ICE, whatever it is."
"If a law enforcement agency indicates that visitation presents a safety or security concern, [the hospital] may limit or deny visitation to protect our patients, staff, and visitors."
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