ICE arrests top 100K under Trump
Share and Follow


() The personal health information of 79 million people will soon be in the hands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, who will use the data trove to track down immigrants in the United States illegally.

ICE plans to use the nation’s Medicaid database to “receive identity and location information on aliens identified by ICE,” according to an agreement obtained by the Associated Press.

Information available to ICE officials will include:

  • Addresses
  • Birthdates
  • Ethnic and racial information
  • Social Security numbers

The agreement between the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Department of Homeland Security does not allow ICE officials to download the data.

Instead, officials will be allowed to access the data for a limited period from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, until Sept. 9.

Medicaid is only available to noncitizens in emergencies

While immigrants who have entered and remained in the U.S. illegally are not eligible for Medicaid, every state is required to provide emergency Medicaid coverage for life-saving situations. Some states also make exceptions for children and certain adults.

That means, despite not qualifying for the federally funded coverage, some noncitizens’ information is still available in Medicaid records.

The Kaiser Family Foundation estimated that emergency care for undocumented patients accounted for less than 1% of Medicaid spending from 2017 to 2023.

Democrats, advocates slam ICE-Medicaid data disclosure

Politicians and immigrant advocates alike have opposed the agreement due to concerns over data privacy and human rights violations.

Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said on social media that “the massive transfer of the personal data of millions of Medicaid recipients should alarm every American.”

Immigration attorney Anibal Romero echoed Schiff’s concerns.

“So eventually, what could end up happening is someone might transfer information about … a U.S. citizen, with a Latino name, and all of a sudden, now I have ICE officers in my house, even though I was born here only because my name is Raul Lopez,” Romero told . “So it’s scary. I think it’s wrong.”

Early this month, a coalition of 20 Democrat-led states sued the Trump administration over the agreement.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta said it has “created a culture of fear that will lead to fewer people seeking vital emergency medical care.”

“We’re headed to court to prevent any further sharing of Medicaid data and to ensure any of the data that’s already been shared is not used for immigration enforcement purposes,” Bonta added.

In a statement, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said the agencies are “exploring an initiative to ensure that illegal aliens are not receiving Medicaid benefits that are meant for law-abiding Americans.”

The White House has deferred questions about the agreement to ICE, but the Trump administration has continued to argue that this type of access is necessary for its immigration crackdown.

‘s Anna Kutz and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Phillie Phanatic hilariously recreates viral Coldplay kiss cam scandal

Phillie Phanatic Comically Reenacts Viral Coldplay Kiss Cam Moment

The Phillies delivered their take on the story that won’t die. They…
Hearts & Heroes: the story of flooding in the Texas Hill Country

Hearts and Heroes: The Tale of Texas Hill Country Flooding

The toll of the Hill Country floods is unimaginable. More…
Stunt legend Felix Baumgartner’s fatal crash witnesses heard large boom as paraglider spun out of control

Paragliding Daredevil Felix Baumgartner’s Fatal Crash: Witnesses Report Loud Boom Before Spiraling Disaster

Beachgoers sensed trouble when a loud explosion echoed, sending a paraglider spiraling…
Stabbed Staten Islander lucky to be alive after Italian migrant attack

Staten Island Resident Survives Attack by Italian Migrant

A Staten Island native came face to face with the worst of…
CNN panel devolves into chaos after lefty commentator suggests Trump wasn’t actually shot in the ear

CNN Panel Erupts in Confusion After Liberal Commentator Questions Trump’s Ear Injury Claims

Chaos erupted on a CNN panel Thursday night when a guest insinuated…
CNN panel ends in chaos as liberal guest makes shock claim about Trump

Chaos erupts on CNN panel after surprising Trump allegation by liberal guest

A CNN panel descended into chaos when a liberal pundit cast doubt…
Woman at center of Coldplay cuddling clip married to powerful CEO

Woman Featured in Viral Coldplay Cuddling Clip is Married to Influential CEO

Kristin Cabot seems to have a penchant for influential men, as DailyMail.com…
Former UK police officer found guilty in brutal killing of wife who uncovered his double life

Former UK police officer found guilty in brutal killing of wife who uncovered his double life

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! An ex-police officer from…