Fear of discovery as a deterrent to undocumented Latinx immigrants’ reporting of crimes and the effects of political rhetoric

Objectives Comparing undocumented Latinx immigrants (UDLI), citizens/residents (LCR), and non-Latinx (NLCR), we sought to assess rates of crime victimization, fear reporting crimes, causes this fear, whether political rhetoric from the U.S. President had changed crimes. Methods From October 2018 February 2020, conducted in-person survey study, enrolling similar numbers UDLI, LCR, NLCR patients at two urban county hospital emergency departments (EDs) in San Francisco Oakland, California. Our primary outcomes were responses key questions regarding crimes effects anti-immigrant on Results Of 667 approached, 531 (80%) participated six participants excluded: 165 (31.3%) 183 (34.7%) 177 (33.6%) NLCR. Similar percentages UDLI (34%), LCR (32%), (39%) knew someone (themselves, friends, or family) who was a victim crime. (41%), (46%), (41%) stated that these victims afraid report police. The reason for discovery deportation (30%). (63%), (58%), (46%) ultimately reported Most (85%) respondents heard President's statements about measures against immigrants; 54% they believe because statements, people are more Conclusions Fear is common ED patients. most deportation. Political contributes fear.