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Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Fear of immigration enforcement kept vulnerable families away from the doctor. During Minnesota's Operation Metro Surge, missed pediatric appointments jumped dramatically — especially among Hispanic and Spanish-speaking families. Researchers say the long-term health consequences for these children may not be fully understood for decades.
When federal immigration agents flooded Minneapolis and St. Paul in December 2025 as part of Operation Metro Surge, pediatric waiting rooms went quiet. A new study published in Pediatrics confirms what clinicians were seeing firsthand: missed appointments at Children's Minnesota skyrocketed during the two-month enforcement period, with immigrant and Spanish-speaking families bearing the brunt of the disruption.
Researchers analyzed over 129,000 outpatient appointments from October 2023 through March 2026. The spike in no-shows was stark — and the consequences were real. At one south Minneapolis clinic serving a predominantly Hispanic population, a child whose father had been detained nearly died after their mother diluted insulin rather than risk a trip to the pharmacy or hospital.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: Missed routine care — especially well-child visits — can delay diagnoses and worsen chronic conditions. Clinicians are calling on health systems to expand telehealth, relax no-show penalties, and partner with community organizations to bring care to families who are afraid to come in.
