MARSHALL — The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) has condemned the arrest of Aditya Wahyu Harsono, a hospital employee detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center, where MNA represents staff.
Harsono, an Indonesian national and recent graduate of Southwest Minnesota State University, was working legally under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. His F-1 student visa, valid through 2026, was revoked without notice on March 23. He was arrested four days later.
In a statement issued this week, the MNA Board of Directors reiterated that nurses have no role in immigration enforcement and expressed concern for the impact such actions may have on access to healthcare.
“As nurses and healthcare professionals, our primary responsibility is to provide compassionate, ethical, and high-quality care to all patients, regardless of their background, status, or circumstance. We are not agents of law enforcement, nor do we serve any role in immigration enforcement.”
The organization cited the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in affirming that patient information remains confidential and is not shared with immigration authorities without legal cause or patient consent.
The MNA also reaffirmed its support for immigrant and vulnerable communities, stating that healthcare is a human right and should remain free from fear of exposure or reprisal.
A judge granted Harsono a $5,000 bond on April 10, but the Department of Homeland Security appealed, preventing his release. His next immigration hearing is scheduled for today. He remains in ICE custody at Kandiyohi County Jail.
