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Stakeholder warns committee that ICE fears are keeping injured workers from appointments
Summary
Barb Anderson told MLAC that some workers are refusing medical appointments and hearings out of fear of immigration enforcement, and members discussed targeted outreach, telemedicine and translated materials as mitigation strategies.
Barb Anderson raised a concern during the meeting's outreach discussion that some workers are refusing to attend medical appointments, hearings or other engagements because they fear immigration enforcement (ICE). "We are seeing an influx of workers who are refusing even to attend medical appointments right now because they're in fear of ICE," Anderson said, and urged the committee to account for that when planning outreach and public engagement.
Committee members and agency representatives responded by highlighting alternative outreach strategies. Staff said they would work to ensure representatives who feel comfortable speaking for affected communities are involved and pointed to the use of translated handbooks and partnerships (including the Mexican Consulate and worker advocates) to reach vulnerable populations. "That's an excellent flag," the chair said, and staff noted telemedicine and nonpublic distribution channels as options to reduce barriers to participation.
