MaineHealth seeks answers, requests support for nurse detained by immigration authorities

The nurse was reportedly detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Friday.

Portland, Maine - MaineHealth said today that it is reaching out to the Maine congressional delegation to get more information in support of a nurse working at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Portland who was reportedly detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

MaineHealth officials said all individuals who come to work at MaineHealth are thoroughly vetted to assure they are authorized to reside and work in the United States. While MaineHealth received no notice that this individual was taken into custody, she was reportedly detained at Logan Airport in Boston Friday. MaineHealth has been provided no information by immigration officials as to her current whereabouts or the status of her case. MaineHealth did hear from the nurse's attorneys and is providing the appropriate support as they work to secure her release.

"We have also reached out to our congressional delegation to see if they can provide any further information about this care team member's status," said Britt Crewse, president of MaineHealth's Southern Region, which includes MaineHealth Maine Medical Center. "Needless to say, we are concerned, especially given that this individual appears to have been living and working here legally."

Crewse said he is also concerned about the impact this could have on other care team members who happen to be immigrants.

"We take great care in making sure everyone who comes to work for us is legally authorized to do so," he said. "Nevertheless, the enforcement surge by immigration authorities has many of our care team members on edge."

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About MaineHealth

MaineHealth is a not-for-profit, integrated health system whose vision is, "Working together so our communities are the healthiest in America," and is committed to a mission of providing high-quality affordable care, educating tomorrow's caregivers and researching better ways to provide care. MaineHealth includes a Level 1 trauma medical center, eight additional licensed hospitals, comprehensive pediatric care services, an extensive behavioral health care network, diagnostic services as well as home health, hospice and senior care services. With more than 2,000 employed providers and approximately 23,000 care team members, MaineHealth provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. MaineHealth hospitals include MaineHealth Behavioral Health at Spring Harbor in Westbrook, MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington, MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital in Damariscotta, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland, Biddeford and Sanford, MaineHealth Memorial Hospital in North Conway, N.H., MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital in Rockport, MaineHealth Stephens Hospital in Norway and MaineHealth Waldo Hospital in Belfast. MaineHealth also includes MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children's in Portland, MaineHealth Behavioral Health in Westbrook, MaineHealth Home Health and Hospice in Saco, the MaineHealth Institute for Research in Scarborough, the MaineHealth Medical Group and MaineHealth Nox in Scarborough. MaineHealth affiliates include Maine General Health in Augusta and Waterville. It is also a significant stakeholder in the MaineHealth Accountable Care Organization in Portland and a joint venture partner in the New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Portland.