Fear and uncertainty grow after three ICE detentions at Upstate Medical University
- Anjana Dasam
- Dec 8, 2025
- 3 min read
In a national climate where immigration enforcement has intensified, the consequences are no longer limited to headlines from border states or distant raids. They are unfolding here in Syracuse, inside hospitals, among coworkers, and neighbors.
For Upstate Medical University staff, those national headlines became local when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained two hospital employees on October 29, and then a third on November 12.
Recent raids in Cato and Saratoga Springs signaled that this era of enforcement was closing in on Central New York. Still, when it reached one of the state’s largest medical employer, it struck a distinct nerve.
“I was at a luncheon for our retirees… and got a text that this had occurred and felt instantly sick to my stomach,” said Mindy Heath, President of the Upstate Medical University chapter of United University Professions (UUP). “Just shocked that it had hit so close to home… To have it happen to one of us in our union and two of us at our hospital, it was a strong sense of we have to act. There’s something we can do, we have to do something.”
The Detentions
Syracuse.com reports the first two men detained in October were Cuban immigrants working in Upstate’s Environmental Services Department. Both had been legally employed by New York state since 2022 and 2024. They were, as their unions emphasized, doing everything right. When attending an immigration hearing to finalize their status, ICE detained and transported them to the federal center in Batavia. The third employee was detained while walking through his neighborhood.
Ali Cottrell, the local president of CSEA for SUNY Upstate Hospital, spoke to their character.
“When I met them, they were always polite, very kind and respectful and looking forward to work here,” Cottrell said.
Impact on healthcare institutions
Upstate relies heavily on immigrant workers, particularly in departments where staffing shortages run deep.
“They work many hours doing difficult jobs, jobs we have a hard time filling,” Heath said. “To take people who are doing everything right, working hard, and being upstanding members of the community is gut-wrenching.”
An additional pressure of fear now looms over the workers.
“We have a lot of employees here from other countries… and it’s still created that level of fear among people here doing the right thing,” Heath said.
Unions Unite
Cottrell’s focus includes supporting families and alerting political leaders. The two unions worked together to help provide support for the community.
“Once we found out, we reached out to each other trying to figure out how we can get involved,” Cottrell said. “I worked on reaching out to politicians… to see if we can get some input and guidance.”
Unions are now working to educate all members on their rights and what to do if confronted with immigration enforcement. “Understanding their rights… helps them be more secure,” Cottrell said.
A message to the administration
Both union leaders expressed deep frustration with the federal strategy.
“You’re targeting the wrong people,” Cottrell said. “Go after the criminals. Not the people doing everything right.”
Heath expresses concern about what precedent this could set for immigrants that follow the law.
“When those who are going about it the right way are picked up and deported, you’re driving people outside the legal process.”
Advocacy for the future
As hearings approach, community members continue to rally.
“Our focus is ensuring their story is heard,” Heath said. “They are important members of our community… and we hope that makes a difference.”
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