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Pediatric Outpatient Care After Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis

Asitha D L Jayawardena1, Bryan Fate2, Abdul Abdi2

  • 1Ears, Nose, and Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Pediatrics
|August 5, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Operation Metro Surge led to significant disruptions in pediatric care in Minnesota. The operation caused a notable increase in missed appointments and rescheduling requests, particularly among Hispanic/Latiné and Spanish-speaking families, impacting child health outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Health Services Research
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Operation Metro Surge, a joint initiative by the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), caused significant disruptions in Minnesota.
  • The impact of this operation on local healthcare systems, particularly pediatric outpatient care, was not previously quantified.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify the impact of Operation Metro Surge on pediatric outpatient care utilization in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota.
  • To assess changes in missed appointments and reschedule requests during the operation.

Main Methods:

  • An interrupted time series analysis was employed to evaluate the effects of Operation Metro Surge.
  • Data were collected from two hospital-based general pediatrics practices at Minnesota's flagship pediatric hospital.

Main Results:

  • Missed appointment rates increased significantly among Hispanic/Latiné patients (51.2%), Spanish-speaking families (80.4%), and families needing interpretation (53.1%).
  • Reschedule requests for well-child visits rose by 51% during the operation period.
  • The observed decrease in outpatient care exceeded expected trends, indicating a substantial impact.

Conclusions:

  • Operation Metro Surge led to a decrease in pediatric outpatient utilization in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
  • The operation exacerbated existing healthcare disparities and may have long-term negative consequences for child health due to delayed care.

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