Unsettled: Migrant Health in the U.S.

Dr. Judith Flores speaks with Dr. Kate Sugarman about the health consequences of immigration detention in the United States. Drawing from her experience reviewing medical records from ICE detention centers, Dr. Sugarman discusses medical neglect, unsafe living conditions, barriers to specialty care, infectious disease risks, and the trauma detention can inflict on individuals and families. The conversation also explores the broader public health impact of detention and how healthcare professionals can use advocacy, volunteering, and their professional voices to push for change.

What does reproductive justice look like for immigrant families? In this episode, we discuss how immigration policy shapes access to healthcare, prenatal care, and the ability to safely raise children. Together, we explore family separation, the ethical responsibilities of clinicians, and why equitable healthcare is essential for healthier communities.Host: Judith Flores, MDGuest: Rachel E. Fabi, PhD

In this episode of Unsettled, we examine what happens when immigration enforcement collides with healthcare. Dr. Mark Kuczewski, Dr. Amy Blair, and Dr. Theresa Nguyen join the show to discuss their recent American Journal of Bioethics publication on the ethical challenges clinicians face when treating patients in ICE custody. They explain how hospitals often apply blanket forensic patient policies—originally designed for dangerous incarcerated individuals—to immigrant patients who may pose no threat, resulting in harmful practices like shackling, privacy violations, and barriers to proper medical care.Sanctuary doctoring link

In this episode of Unsettled, Dr. Judith Flores is joined by Dr. L. Toni Lewis and Eddie González-Novoa from Liberation Health Strategies to explore what liberation-centered healthcare looks like in practice. Together, they discuss community partnerships, immigrant experiences, mentorship, and how healthcare can move beyond equity toward true healing and belonging.Host: Judith Flores, MDGuests:L. Toni Lewis, MDEddie González-Novoa, MDiv

In this episode, Dr. Judith Flores speaks with Jesús de la Torre of the Hope Border Institute about the human impact of immigration policy at the U.S.–Mexico border. Drawing from the report Cruelty as Policy, they discuss conditions in detention centers, the harm of family and child detention, and the broader public health consequences of current enforcement strategies. The conversation highlights the need for comprehensive immigration reform and calls on healthcare professionals and communities to engage in advocacy that upholds dignity, safety, and access to care.Host: Judith Flores, MDGuestJesús de la Torre

In this episode, we discuss the impact of immigration enforcement on healthcare. The panel explores how ICE activity is affecting immigrant patients, creating fear around seeking care, and challenging healthcare providers to maintain trust, confidentiality, and ethical practice.Through personal experiences and clinical insights, the conversation highlights the need for clear protocols in healthcare settings, patient education on their rights, and stronger advocacy to protect vulnerable communities. The episode underscores the broader public health implications of immigration enforcement and the role healthcare professionals can play in supporting immigrant patients.Host: Judith Flores, MDGuests:Roberto Johansson, MDAnne Lifflander, MDChanelle Diaz, MD