20 states sue after Trump administration releases private Medicaid data to deportation officials
In a major legal move, 20 U.S. states and the District of Columbia have sued the Trump administration. They claim federal officials shared private Medicaid data with immigration authorities. This lawsuit accuses the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of breaking federal privacy laws.
Filed on July 2, 2025, in a California federal court, the suit was led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta. Other states involved include New York, Washington, Illinois, and Massachusetts. These states argue that the government’s actions violate the privacy rights of millions and could harm public health.
🔍 What the Lawsuit Says
According to the lawsuit, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) ordered states to send detailed Medicaid data. This included names, addresses, Social Security numbers, immigration status, and even medical records. The information was transferred to ICE by June 10, just days after the memo was sent.
The states argue this move breaks HIPAA, the Privacy Act, and the Social Security Act. They also say it violates the constitutional right to privacy. Attorney General Bonta said using personal health data to target immigrants is not only illegal—it’s immoral. “This undermines trust in our health care system,” he warned.
🛑 Why This Matters
The lawsuit claims the data sharing could discourage immigrants from seeking care. Many people may now fear that visiting a clinic could lead to deportation. That fear, officials argue, will hurt families and public health.
Some states offer Medicaid-like coverage using their own funds. These programs often support children and pregnant women, regardless of immigration status. State officials say the federal government had no right to demand that data.
Dr. Elena Ramirez, a public health expert in California, explained the risk: “If people avoid doctors out of fear, diseases will spread more easily. This hurts everyone, not just immigrants.”
🏛️ The Federal Response
Federal officials say the move aimed to prevent fraud and ensure Medicaid only serves eligible people. HHS argued the action fell within its legal authority. “We must protect taxpayer funds,” a department spokesperson said.
Still, many see this as part of Trump’s wider immigration crackdown. Since returning to office, Trump has pushed for mass deportations. His administration recently proposed deep Medicaid cuts and a large funding increase for ICE.
Immigrant rights groups, including the ACLU, are backing the states. They say using healthcare records for deportation sets a dangerous precedent. Democrats in Congress are also drafting laws to stop this kind of data use.
⏩ What Comes Next?
The states want the court to take immediate action. They’re asking the judge to block further data sharing and stop ICE from using the information already received. They also want the court to order the destruction of any data already shared.
Legal experts say the case could reach the Supreme Court. “This may decide whether any public program can be tied to immigration enforcement,” said Professor Maya Delgado of NYU Law.
If the court allows it, Medicaid data could become a tool for tracking people. This could extend to other federal programs too, such as SNAP or student aid.
🌐 Bigger Impact
Attorney General Phil Weiser of Colorado said the case is about more than immigration. “It’s about trust. If people don’t feel safe giving information to their doctors or health programs, the whole system suffers,” he said.
Healthcare providers fear losing contact with vulnerable patients. States say this breach may damage public trust for years.
The case has already sparked debate across the country. Supporters of the lawsuit say it’s about defending both privacy and basic human dignity.
