ICE agents take detainee to Stanford Hospital

Aug. 26, 2025, 10:42 a.m.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials brought a 47-year-old woman to Stanford Hospital after detaining her in East Palo Alto on Monday morning.

The woman lost consciousness as ICE officials attempted to detain her and her husband, who escaped detention. The woman’s father told The Mercury News that the woman and her husband were on their way to work when ICE officials apprehended them.

The woman legally entered the country on a temporary visa, which has since expired, and has no criminal record.  

The woman spent Monday night at the hospital, and remains in the care of Stanford Healthcare workers. ICE officials have stayed at the hospital with her. 

“Yesterday, federal agents brought an individual who was in their custody and needed medical attention to the Stanford Health Care emergency department,” wrote Lisa Kim, director of media relations for Stanford Health Care, in a statement to The Daily. “Stanford Health Care, in accordance with our current policies and in compliance with federal agencies, is providing the needed care for this patient.”

ICE provided a “courtesy notification” to inform the Palo Alto Police Department of their presence at Stanford Hospital, according to a statement from Assistant Police Chief James Reifschneider, but local police were not involved in the detainment.

This story was updated to include a new statement from Stanford Health Care and to clarify the woman’s immigration status.

Sofia Williams '28 is a Vol. 268 News Managing Editor. Contact her at swilliams 'at' stanforddaily.com.

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