Immigrant Medicaid Enrollees Personal Data Shared with Deportation Authorities

Published: Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 3:37 am

**Trump Administration Shares Medicaid Data with Deportation Officials**

The Trump administration has provided U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with personal data, including immigration status, of millions of Medicaid enrollees. This move, revealed through internal memos and emails, has raised concerns about its potential use in locating and deporting individuals.

The data transfer, ordered by top advisors to the Health Secretary, was carried out despite objections from Medicaid officials who cited legal and ethical concerns. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) was given a short timeframe to comply with the directive. The data includes information from enrollees in several states that allow non-U.S. citizens to enroll in Medicaid programs.

Critics fear the information could be used to target migrants seeking legal residency or citizenship. State officials have expressed alarm, citing privacy concerns and potential violations of federal law. Some lawmakers have voiced concerns that using healthcare information against individuals could harm communities.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) maintains the data sharing was legal and within its authority. The agency stated the initiative aims to ensure Medicaid benefits are reserved for those lawfully entitled to them. The administration has also been reviewing state Medicaid enrollees to ensure federal funds are not used for individuals with unsatisfactory immigration status.

The data shared includes names, addresses, social security numbers, and claims data. CMS officials attempted to block the data transfer, citing potential violations of the Social Security Act and the Privacy Act of 1974. However, these arguments were not persuasive to Trump appointees at HHS.

BNN's Perspective:

While the administration's stated goal of ensuring proper use of Medicaid funds is understandable, the sharing of sensitive personal data with deportation officials raises serious privacy concerns. The potential for this information to be used to target vulnerable populations warrants careful scrutiny and a thorough examination of the legal and ethical implications. A balance must be struck between enforcing immigration laws and protecting the privacy and well-being of all individuals.

Keywords:
Medicaid, immigration, data sharing, deportation, Trump administration, HHS, CMS, ICE, privacy, enrollees, non-U.S. citizens, legal, ethical concerns, California, Illinois, Washington state, DHS

Full Story