Three plainclothes NYPD detectives were treated disrespectfully at a New York City hospital after arriving for medical care following an on-duty scuffle, leading to anger from police officials.
The detectives went to the emergency department at NYU Langone in Brooklyn after being injured during a narcotics investigation in nearby Brooklyn. Hospital staff initially instructed them that they could not enter the emergency room with their firearms, and although one officer agreed to secure his weapon, another was reportedly told to leave the waiting area over his service weapon.
During the interaction, the officers were incorrectly identified by some hospital personnel as ICE agents, which contributed to staff suggesting they seek medical care elsewhere despite explaining they were NYPD detectives. The detectives say they clearly identified themselves as local law enforcement.
The NYPD Detectives Endowment Association strongly criticized the treatment, saying wounded officers deserve respectful and professional care. The police department says it is reviewing the incident and has underscored the importance of proper treatment for officers injured while serving the city.
Following the confrontation, hospital officials apologized to NYPD leadership and reaffirmed their commitment to providing quality care to all law enforcement personnel. The hospital did not confirm the reported ICE references but expressed regret over how the situation was handled.