COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio hospitals may soon be compelled to choose between allowing federal immigration agents access to thier facilities for patient arrests and possibly losing state funding. This scenario arises from House Bill 281,sponsored by Rep. Josh Williams,a Republican representing the Toledo area.

Rep. Josh Williams stated, “I think it’s essential to make sure our hospitals are not burdened with the financial strain of treating undocumented.” Critics, however, express concerns that the bill could place healthcare workers “in a bad spot.”

HB 281 stipulates that any hospital accepting state grant money or Medicaid reimbursements must:

• Permit ICE agents to enter the premises to arrest,interview,or gather evidence under a warrant.
• Arrest individuals with a lawful warrant.
• Ensure hospital staff and contractors assist in facilitating ICE access and activities.
• Provide ICE agents with relevant information or evidence held by the hospital, provided it does not violate existing federal or state laws.

The bill does not mandate hospitals to proactively screen patients for their immigration status. “It’s not proactive,” Williams clarified. “If federal agents come to the hospital and ask for access to a particular individual, the hospital has to comply.”

In January, President Donald Trump rescinded guidance that had previously discouraged immigration enforcement in sensitive locations such as hospitals, schools, and places of worship.

Williams argues that Ohio needs to align with this shift. “We are not fully equipped in cracking down on illegal immigration,” he stated.

While the Ohio Hospitals Association has not commented, the Ohio Nurses Association (ONA) has voiced objections, viewing the bill as deputizing medical staff. ONA President Rick Lucas stated, “This bill goes further and mandates hospital staff to assist law enforcement officers. We don’t want to be deputized.We don’t want to be part of that process.”

The ONA issued guidance in January, advising nurses to direct ICE agents to “your hospital’s legal counsel, compliance officer, or security department.” HB 281 would require hospitals to establish a written policy addressing such situations,which Williams suggests could include directing agents to the appropriate personnel.

Williams noted, “We already do it for local law enforcement… I’ve had clients of mine handcuffed to a hospital bed while they were receiving treatment to make sure they didn’t flee.”

Lucas cautioned that the policy could deter patients, including those legally residing in the country, from seeking medical care.

“We’re not going to make it easy on you,” Williams asserted. “No matter where you are you are always going to be at risk of arrest and deportation.”

Williams has indicated a willingness to clarify that medical staff would need to clear patients for release before ICE could take them,stating,”I’m not intending to put anyone’s life at risk.” Though, he maintains that Ohio should not be responsible for covering the medical expenses of individuals who entered the U.S. illegally.

He cited California’s decision to roll back coverage for immigrants without legal status after costs exceeded projections by $2.7 billion. “We don’t have the financial freedom to pay for individuals who are not here legally,” Williams said.

HB 281 is the fourth immigration-related bill introduced by Williams this year, as he considers a potential congressional campaign against incumbent Democrat marcy Kaptur. Williams expects to decide on a U.S.House seat run later this month.

“We don’t want to be deputized. We don’t want to be part of that process.”