I am an emergency physician in Portland and have witnessed firsthand the harmful effects of recent ICE raids on the health of our community. 

Increased ICE activity in Maine has left people of color afraid to leave home, causing missed appointments, worsening chronic conditions and delayed care. I’ve seen a sharp decline in new Mainers coming to our ER for care.

The other day, I treated a young lady for life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis, which developed because she was so afraid to leave her house to refill her insulin. When people are afraid to leave their homes, they delay or avoid seeking care for contagious diseases and chronic conditions — sometimes until they reach life‑endangering stages. We also cared for an elderly woman whose medical caretaker was detained. Without in-home support, she had to be placed in a nursing facility, losing the last measure of independence she had left in her life.

This week an environmental services colleague, a mother of several children, who plays an essential role keeping patient rooms clean, was abducted by ICE. Her absence will lengthen wait times in an already understaffed and overburdened system. 

These are just a few examples of the terror and disruption that ICE has brought to our community. Mainers are being targeted and attacked. I challenge our elected officials and community leaders to stand up and fight for the people they swore to serve. They need our support more than ever.

Ryan Demmendaal, MD
Portland