Last week, a group of New York City detectives experienced an unexpected and unsettling encounter at a Brooklyn hospital. While seeking medical attention following an altercation with a drug suspect, they were mistakenly identified as federal immigration agents, leading to a regrettable episode of hostility.

These officers had gone to NYU Langone/Cobble Hill Hospital after their involvement in a scuffle with the suspect, but instead of receiving prompt care, they encountered an unwelcoming reception. According to the New York Post, hospital staff were reportedly rude and accusatory, mistaking the detectives for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and advising them to seek treatment elsewhere.

A source familiar with the incident described the scene, noting, “[Hospital staff] were nasty to the officers in the waiting room, accused them of being ICE, and suggested they go elsewhere.” This misunderstanding highlights the tensions that can arise from misconceptions about law enforcement roles.

Despite the detectives clearly identifying themselves as NYPD officers, the situation did not immediately improve. Another source expressed their dismay, stating, “It’s despicable to attempt to deny care or suggest they go elsewhere.” This incident underscores the need for clarity and understanding in interactions between law enforcement and healthcare providers, ensuring that all individuals receive the necessary care without prejudice.

“They properly identified themselves,” another source added. “It’s despicable to attempt to deny care or suggest they go elsewhere.”

An NYPD spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the hospital apologized to Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch over the incident.

“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.”

The hospital told Fox News Digital that 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” in a discussion with Tisch. 

It noted that in 2025, NYU Langone provided care to nearly 1,000 NYPD officers. 

“We provided care to the injured officer, who was asked to temporarily secure his weapon, as per our policy,” a hospital representative said. “The other two officers were allowed to keep their weapons. NYU Langone always values the opportunity to provide care to members of law enforcement.”

A refrigerated truck serving as makeshift morgue is seen outside of NYU Langone Health Cobble Hill. (Getty Images)

The hospital did not comment on the alleged references to ICE. The incident occurred as thousands of nurses across the city were on strike.

In a statement, the NYPD Detectives’ Endowment Association denounced the treatment of the officers.

“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. “As nurses across the city strike over issues like workplace safety, treating detectives poorly is not how to make hospitals safer.”

“No one—especially detectives injured in the line of duty—should face such treatment,” the association added.

Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams, himself a former NYPD officer, also criticized the hospital and called on New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to hold it accountable.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams on “The View” on November 15, 2024. (ABC/Screenshot)

“A hospital that politicizes emergency care is no longer a hospital. It’s an activist institution pretending to practice medicine,” Adams wrote on X. “These NYPD officers put their lives on the line. Medical staff are sworn to treat the injured, not pass political judgment. We send them into danger and then leave them bleeding when it’s inconvenient.”