Moral Distress Among Public Health Service Officers in ICE Detention Centers

In 2025, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) saw a significant increase in immigrant arrests, leading to a heightened demand for health care providers in detention centers. The U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) responded by deploying nearly 400 officers, including nurses and doctors, to provide medical care in these facilities. However, many officers have reported experiencing "moral distress," with some resigning due to the conditions they encountered.

Some Public Health Service officers deployed in detention centers suffer 'moral distress'

Reports indicate that ICE facilities are overcrowded and understaffed, with some centers operating at three times their intended capacity. Officers have described chaotic environments where their medical responsibilities conflict with ICE's objectives of rapid deportation. For instance, batch medical screenings violate confidentiality standards, and delays in medication have led to medical emergencies among detainees. A nurse who worked in El Paso noted that the environment felt more like a hindrance to care than a supportive medical mission.

Some Public Health Service officers deployed in detention centers suffer 'moral distress'

Several USPHS officers have expressed deep concerns about their roles in ICE facilities. Rebekah Stewart, a nurse practitioner who resigned, stated, "We can do more … by speaking out against inhumane actions than we can by staying in and participating in them." Other officers echoed similar sentiments, feeling that their deployment contradicted the mission of providing care to vulnerable populations. The moral conflict has led to a notable exodus of officers, with 340 leaving the service in the past year alone.

Some Public Health Service officers deployed in detention centers suffer 'moral distress'

Admiral Brian Christine, Assistant Secretary for Health, emphasized the USPHS's commitment to its mission, stating that officers must execute their duties with professionalism and compassion. However, critics argue that the current administration's policies undermine the ethical foundations of public health work. Jonathan White, a former USPHS Commander, highlighted the potential long-term consequences of losing morally driven officers, stating, "No amount of professionalism and care from USPHS officers can make a mass deportation system not be harmful to people's health."

Some Public Health Service officers deployed in detention centers suffer 'moral distress'

While ICE maintains that detainees are entitled to appropriate medical care, numerous reports from human rights organizations and media outlets have documented widespread abuses and inhumane conditions within these facilities. The discrepancy between ICE's official stance and the experiences of USPHS officers raises questions about the adequacy of health care provided to detainees.

Some Public Health Service officers deployed in detention centers suffer 'moral distress'

The future of the USPHS remains uncertain, particularly as it faces a morale crisis exacerbated by the departure of officers committed to ethical standards. As the agency grapples with staffing shortages and public health challenges, the ongoing debate about the role of health care providers in immigration enforcement continues to unfold. The implications of these developments will likely shape the landscape of public health in the United States for years to come.

Some Public Health Service officers deployed in detention centers suffer 'moral distress'