Should public health officials ask clients if they are in the U.S. legally? Hillsdale County Commissioner Brett Leininger thinks so.

Leininger, a member of the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency board, said during a Thursday Sept. 25 meeting, that he thought failing to do so might place the agency in violation of President Donald Trump's immigration policies, and result in the agency losing federal funding.

He also said those who were in the U.S. illegally should be reported to the government.

Health Officer Rebecca Burns said if those seeking treatment are concerned about reporting their immigration status, that places the community in danger.

"That just causes medical diseases to go untreated and continue to spread within populations," she said.

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