IHSC, a component within ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), is the only entity within ICE responsible for assessing alien’s fitness for travel as they prepare for deportation to their country of origin. IHSC oversees compliance with medical detention standards in contracted facilities and reimburses for off-site medical intervention received by aliens in ICE custody. IHSC supports ICE air operations for deportation flights and the U.S. Coast Guard with alien interdiction operations.

IHSC Supports ICE’s Mission

IHSC supports ICE’s mission to protect national security and public safety by assessing aliens for their fitness for travel and monitoring their medical needs while in transit.

Dr. Stewart D. Smith, IHSC Assistant Director, strongly believes in the capabilities of the agency’s health care team to support ICE’s mission.

"IHSC supports ICE’s mission to protect national security and public safety, upholds health care standards across ICE-owned and contracted facilities, and ensures the provision of required health care delivery for detained aliens."

IHSC provides medical support for ICE removals and special operations. U.S. Public Health Service officers from the IHSC Special Operations Unit (ISOU) serve as medical providers for ICE missions, both in the U.S. and abroad. ISOU staff provide medical services during domestic transfers and international removals. They also assist with medical intervention for migrants rescued or stopped at sea by U.S. Coast Guard cutters during alien interdiction operations.

ICE Health Care System

IHSC staff protect our homeland by stopping the spread of infectious disease and supporting ICE removal operations.

IHSC is committed to providing the necessary medical intervention for aliens to reduce global disease and support the safe apprehension, enforcement and removal of aliens involved in immigration proceedings.

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, IHSC provided medical services to more than 138,000 aliens housed in 18 facilities throughout the nation. In FY 2024, IHSC oversaw compliance with health-related standards for over 186,900 aliens housed in 129 non-IHSC-staffed facilities, totaling almost 45,500 beds.

IHSC Headquarters provides guidance and support to IHSC-staffed facilities. While IHSC does not directly provide medical services in non-IHSC-staffed facilities, IHSC audits the facilities’ compliance with national detention standards, as required by each facility’s contract with ICE.

“The ICE Health Service Corps staff comprises the highest caliber of health professionals who have chosen detention health as a noble and rewarding career,” Smith said. “Our team is second to none.”

IHSC’s Core Values

IHSC is a high-performing, results-producing workforce made up of multi-disciplinary staff.

• Integrity. We consistently conduct business openly, honestly, and to the best of our ability.
• Commitment. We are committed to providing quality, cost-effective medical interventions in collaboration and partnership with both federal and non-federal partners.
• Accountability. We are responsible for our personal and organizational decisions, actions, and results. We are good stewards of government funds and resources.
• Service. We strive to satisfy and meet the needs of the organization and stakeholders in support of immigration law enforcement.
• Excellence. We provide the necessary medical interventions using highly qualified health professionals to work toward achieving optimal outcomes.

IHSC Workforce

IHSC provides medical interventions using highly qualified health professionals to achieve optimal outcomes.

IHSC’s workforce includes federal civil servants, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps officers, and contract health professionals. IHSC’s workforce consists of physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, pharmacists, dentists, and administrators.

ICE Detention Standards

ICE embraces national performance standards for detention and medical intervention delivery. IHSC’s personnel undergo more scrutiny than any other integrated health delivery program in the nation. ICE enforces its standards with regular reviews, on-site assessments, and corrective action plans, if needed. ICE adheres to the following detention standards.

• National Detention Standards.
• National Detention Standards (2019).
• Performance-Based National Detention Standards.
• Performance-Based National Detention Standards 2011 (revised 2016).
• Family Residential Standards.