'The Pitt's' John Wells opens up on choosing to tackle ICE in Season 2

"The Pitt" on HBO Max explores the challenges that hospitals and medical staff encounter when US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) infiltrate emergency rooms nationwide.

Producer John Wells discussed with Deadline how the episode draws on real events in emergency departments and the show's choice to address this timely and controversial issue, detailed below.

Let's set the scene: an ICE team brings a woman into the emergency department (ED) after she fell and hurt her shoulder. 

Agent Carrera informs Dana Evans (Katherine LaNasa) about the incident, noting the woman yelled out in pain when restrained. Before Dana can reply, Dr. Robby (Noah Wyle) introduces himself to the agents.

Robby informs that the woman, now in custody, needs a medical evaluation before further action. 

She provides her name as Pranita (Ramona DuBarry) to Dr. Cassie McKay (Fiona Dourif). McKay examines her, learning she was caught in an ICE restaurant sweep, leading to her fall down some stairs. Initially, McKay suspects a rotator cuff or AC joint damage.

The ICE agents are anxious upon hearing that Pranita needs X-rays to pinpoint her pain. 

As one agent leaves for the restroom, Robby tells McKay, “We need to expedite this as we want ICE out of here as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, at least ten individuals flee the hospital after becoming aware of the ICE presence, causing turmoil and posing risks for those requiring urgent care.

“Can’t we just tell the agents to leave?” Dana asks Robby.

Elsewhere, a student inquires about treating a potentially undocumented patient. Dana clarifies, “Under EMTALA (Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act), all patients are entitled to emergency care, regardless of immigration status.”

Pranita's results indicate no fractures. Dr. Robby instructs McKay to provide a sling and discharge her, despite McKay's hesitance. Robby, obeying legal protocol, is eager for ICE's departure from the ED.

It’s time to go,” Robby tells an agent. “You're aware of how hectic our department is, correct? Since your arrival, you’ve been a constant distraction, disrupting our already understaffed team, causing five nurses and half the environmental staff to leave. Patients come here seeking help, whether they’re documented or not, they are entitled to emergency treatment. Contagious diseases, fractures—none of it is being addressed because everyone’s scared to walk in,” Robby states firmly to the agent.

He continues, “Yet they still come here, but by then it’s dangerously late. Can you please wait with your detail elsewhere so we don’t lose more staff or patients?”

Soon after, agents rush Pranita out aggressively once cleared to leave. Nurse Jesse Van Horn (Ned Brower) insists they wait to fit her with a sling, and steps in to protect Pranita from being handled roughly. A scuffle ensues, resulting in both Pranita and Jesse being detained by ICE.

Robby strives to restore calm, urging the staff to continue their duties. Meanwhile, Dana seeks the whereabouts of the detained Jesse. Further details to unfold in a future episode.