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Board pauses proposed patient transfers amid widespread public concern over ICE operations; county health to convene community partners
Summary
After weeks of outreach and widespread public comment following Nov. 13 immigration enforcement operations, County Health said it will pause proposed transfers of patients with 'unsatisfactory immigration status.' Legal and health experts urged caution; the board adopted staff recommendations and the department committed to convene a community task force to co‑design next steps.
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 18 adopted a staff recommendation to pause a planned transfer of health‑center patients flagged as having "unsatisfactory immigration status," after weeks of outreach and intense public comment about recent immigration enforcement operations in the county.
"We have decided to pause the transition of patients with unsatisfactory immigration status," County Health Director Dr. Hamami told the board, summarizing community outreach and legal review. "We are not reducing any of our positions" for now, he said, announcing that the department will continue to operate clinics and continue outreach to health…
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