New York City detectives reported disrespectful treatment after employees at a Brooklyn hospital mistook them for ICE agents, raising concerns about professionalism and neutrality in emergency medical care. The incident unfolded after officers sought treatment following a physical confrontation with a drug suspect, only to face accusations that they were federal immigration agents.
The detectives went to NYU Langone/Cobble Hill Hospital in Brooklyn last week after sustaining injuries during an arrest, according to the New York Post. A source familiar with the situation said, “[Hospital staff] were nasty to the officers in the waiting room, accused them of being ICE and suggested they go elsewhere.” Another source emphasized, “They properly identified themselves. It’s despicable to attempt to deny care or suggest they go elsewhere.”
An NYPD spokesperson confirmed the hospital later apologized to Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Representatives from the hospital apologized to Commissioner Tisch and the NYPD and said hospital staff had a misunderstanding of their policy,” the spokesperson said. “Commissioner Tisch asked that all hospital staff be retrained to ensure that this type of incident never happens again.”
NYU Langone acknowledged the error, stating it expressed “our regret for how the situation was handled and reaffirmed our commitment to continue providing the highest quality care to the New York Police Department and all law enforcement agencies.” The hospital noted that in 2025 it treated nearly 1,000 NYPD officers.
The NYPD Detectives’ Endowment Association condemned the incident. “It is an outrage that any NYPD detective injured in the line of duty should have to worry about being treated at any hospital in the city they protect,” the group said.
Former Mayor Eric Adams also criticized the hospital’s conduct, calling on state leadership to respond. “A hospital that politicizes emergency care is no longer a hospital,” Adams wrote.
