Migrant parents worried ICE could take them away from hospitalized children, pediatric interpreter says
DALLAS — Barbara Smith said she had never been to a forum on immigration rights until Thursday night, but uncertainty from her clients put her in this seat at Francisco Pancho Medrano Middle School.
"I work with a lot of immigrants. I work with a lot of parents of these children who have to be in the hospital," Smith said. "A big concern they have is that their kids are very sick; they cannot leave the hospital."
Smith attended state Rep. Rafael Anchia's "Know Your Rights" forum to learn if migrant parents had protection against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids because their children are critically ill.
The panel of experts, including the Mexican Bar Association and the League of United Latin American Citizens, told Smith they didn't believe ICE would target hospitals, but there were no guarantees.
Smith said families fear ICE raids may target the "worst of the worst," but they worry the agency will cast wider nets near hospitals like Children's Health and Cook Children's Hospital.
"These times merit a certain level of fear and apprehension. I get it. I'm the son of immigrants too, and I understand where you're coming from," Anchia said. "There are places where ICE can and should not go. They should not be in our schools. They should not be in our churches. They shouldn't be in hospitals."
Smith did not disclose her workplace to protect her clients. CBS News Texas contacted Children's Health and Cook Children's Hospital for their policies on dealing with migrant parents, but only Children's Health acknowledged the inquiry without providing a response.
Smith, though not a parent, is troubled by the issue. She said some mothers had left their jobs to be with their children and feared deportation if they left the hospital for a change of clothes.
"A lot of them don't think about themselves, a lot of them think about their children. What is going to happen to my child if I'm not here? Who is going to speak up for them? Who is going to defend them? Who is going to advocate for them?" Smith said.
The panel recommended parents consider authorizing power of attorney for their children as a precaution.