OMA Statement on Immigration Enforcement

1/28/26

As frontline clinicians in Oregon, we are deeply concerned about recent violent incidents involving federal law enforcement activity, including events locally where a child was kept from accessing urgent medical care.

Every day, we care for people at their most vulnerable. Our exam rooms, hospitals, and clinics must remain places of safety — where patients can seek care without fear, hesitation, or harm. When people are afraid to leave their homes, bring their children to school, or access medical care, their health suffers. We see this fear in our patients, and we are concerned about the lasting impact it has on both physical and mental health.

Our ethical responsibility is clear. We provide care to all people regardless of who they are or where they come from. Trust, dignity, and safety are foundational to health care, and when those are undermined, everyone is affected.

We remain opposed to actions and policies that create barriers to care or place patients, clinicians, or communities at risk. Protecting access to care in all settings — especially in moments of urgent need — and ensuring the safety of patients and staff is essential to the health and wellbeing of Oregon’s communities, and we are committed to a system that is safe and accessible for everyone we serve.