What protections do migrants have in California hospitals during immigration raids?

California law gives migrants specific protections in hospitals and health centres during immigration enforcement operations. The state government says emergency rooms and other nonpublic hospital areas generally remain outside the reach of immigration officers unless they have a judicial warrant signed by a judge.

The rules apply amid increased federal data-sharing between government agencies and immigration authorities within the Department of Homeland Security. That exchange includes information on people enrolled in Medicaid, known as Medi-Cal in California. Health-care providers must also keep immigration-status information strictly protected under medical privacy laws.

Immigration and law-enforcement officers from ICE and other agencies must generally be clearly identifiable by name or badge number, subject to specified exceptions. The protections followed a legislative package signed by Governor Gavin Newsom for people in hospitals and health centres.

Schools face a different situation. After the Department of Homeland Security revoked its memorandum on sensitive areas, schools no longer have complete protection from immigration enforcement. Even so, California institutions generally cannot voluntarily allow immigration agents onto campus. They need a judicial or court order unless the law explicitly requires access.

Under the law promoted by Newsom, schools must notify families when agents arrive on campus. Student information and classrooms also remain protected from ICE, and agents need a court order to access them. In August 2026, Newsom sent a letter to school directors reaffirming California’s commitment to these protections.