In this moment of increased ICE activity, including the separation of families, the incarceration of children, mass disappearances and deportations, harmful narratives about immigrant communities, the opening and reopening of toxic detention centers, and the violent repression of any resistance to immigration enforcement, public health must speak out urgently. We created two new resources to support public health workers in taking action for immigration justice:‍

‍Public Health Guide for Immigration Justice: 10 Actions for Health Agencies to Advance Immigrant Justice and Community Safety

‍This action guide is for anyone working in health agencies –– including federal, state, tribal, territorial, and local governmental public health departments and their care and service centers. It offers 10 practical actions to mitigate the health harms of immigration enforcement and support collective safety, dignity, and well-being. Whether you’re just starting this work or already deep in it, this guide is here to support your resistance to systemic injustice in the immigration system.

1. Reject 287(g) agreements and support cities, counties, and states that pledge to provide sanctuary to immigrant residents

2. Prevent ICE and law enforcement surveillance and enforcement in healthcare settings

3. Work with advocates to interrupt and reduce the harms of immigration detention

4. Continue to promote health agency policies to provide services to all people, and to ensure all people understand that they are welcome at the agency

5. Advocate that local and state government create a legal defense and community defense fund for immigrant residents

6. Connect with immigration justice community power-building organizations to learn how your health agency can support their work

7. Promote transformative policy changes that address the priorities of immigrant communities and oppose policy changes that harm immigrant communities

8. Encourage and support the efforts of sister agencies in housing to protect immigrants and their families

9. Enact policies that keep immigration enforcement out of the workplace and protect worker rights

10. Promote a narrative of inclusion surrounding immigrants and immigration justice
‍

Public Health Talking Points for Immigration Justice

‍These companion talking points summarize the public health evidence on how immigration enforcement harms the health of immigrants, their families, and all of our communities. Public health workers can use these talking points to help shape the public narrative to center immigration justice – in the media, or in your own messaging to meet this moment.