LA Mayor Raman Criticizes ICE Blocking Ambulances at Boyle Heights Hospital
Elected Mayor Nithya Raman called the federal agency's presence an affront, following a two-hour blockage that forced the diversion of emergency vehicles.
By Vanessa Lopez ·
Federal immigration agents blocked the ambulance entrance at Adventist Health White Memorial Medical Center in Boyle Heights for approximately two hours on Friday night, November 6, forcing the hospital to divert emergency vehicles to other facilities. Elected Los Angeles Mayor Nithya Raman condemned the operation on Saturday, labeling the federal administration's tactics an unwelcome intrusion on the city and the nation.
The incident began when agents transported a detainee to the medical center for treatment. Bill Essayli, the first assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, stated that officers responded because the individual requested a doctor. However, the presence of the agents triggered a standoff with hospital staff and local residents. The hospital reported that agents formed a line in front of the emergency access point, a restriction the medical center had not requested or authorized.
Raman spoke at a rally near the hospital on Saturday. She stated, "The brutality of the Trump administration is not welcome not only in Los Angeles, but across the country." She described the events as an affront to the will of the American people. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass also criticized the deployment, writing on social media that a hospital should be a place where people feel safe. She argued that patients should not fear that their care could be interrupted by their immigration status.
Hospital President Daniel Fontura said agents attempted to remain in the examination room during a private consultation between the doctor and the detainee. Staff refused, citing the need to protect medical privacy. The obstruction of the ambulance lane prompted hospital officials to call the Los Angeles Police Department for assistance. Video footage circulating on social media shows masked federal agents facing off with protesters. In one clip, officers pin a person to the sidewalk while bystanders demand their release. Agents used pepper spray against demonstrators, affecting at least one teenager, according to local media reports.
State Senator Maria Elena Durazo said the federal agents lacked justification for their actions and called for stronger protections for the community. Councilmember Ysabel Jurado requested that the hospital publish its agreements with ICE and end any voluntary medical service contracts with the agency. The hospital reiterated that it treats everyone as a patient regardless of outside circumstances and confirmed that the person under federal custody received care.
Los Angeles Police Department officials reported a second call from the hospital at 2:24 a.m. Saturday. Approximately 30 protesters had gathered and entered the ambulance access area. Police intervened to restore order and ensure emergency services could function. They clarified that their officers did not participate in immigration enforcement or make arrests for ICE. Essayli defended the federal agents, confirming that two people were arrested for assaulting officers. He replied to Raman's criticism by writing, "I know you are new to this, but facts matter." Raman stated that two U.S. citizens were detained during the operation.
