1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

I am writing as a concerned constituent and member of MELT (Moms for the End of Lawless Tyranny) to ask you to introduce and support state legislation that keeps hospitals and healthcare spaces safe, accessible, and focused on medical care, not immigration enforcement. Hospitals are where people go in moments of crisis. When patients fear arrest, detention, questioning, or surveillance in healthcare settings, they delay or avoid care. That harms families and undermines public health. Virginia can and should set clear, enforceable rules that protect patients’ constitutional rights and ensure hospitals remain places of treatment and safety. I am asking you to sponsor state law that establishes and requires a “Sanctuary Hospital Policy” framework for hospitals operating in Virginia, with clear standards and public notice requirements. At a minimum, the law should require that: -Law enforcement presence on hospital grounds is limited to local police providing routine security and first responders handling emergencies. -No arrests, detentions, questioning, or surveillance by any law enforcement officers occur on hospital property without a valid, judge-signed warrant. -No patient information is shared with immigration authorities without a court order. -Hospitals post clear, visible policies stating their position on warrantless enforcement. -Hospitals provide comprehensive staff training on patients’ rights and how to respond if immigration law enforcement appears. -Hospitals assign or train a dedicated liaison to verify warrants and advise on immigration-related legal issues. -Hospitals train social workers on issues affecting immigrant patient rights. -Hospitals train staff to help accompany vulnerable patients from hospital buildings to vehicles or other transportation in a way that protects safety and dignity. This is a practical, rights-based approach that sets consistent statewide expectations. It protects due process, reduces fear-driven barriers to care, and keeps healthcare workers focused on their core mission. MELT has a petition about this matter on Change.org with hundreds of signatures. https://c.org/9ZShknqJdY Please let me know if you will introduce this legislation, and what timeline and next steps you anticipate during this session. I would also appreciate any opportunity to provide constituent input as the bill language is developed. Thank you for your time and for your service.