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
Massachusetts town faces lawsuit for allowing criminal immigrant, sex offender to renew business license

Massachusetts Town Sued Over Business License Renewal for Immigrant with Criminal Record

A Massachusetts woman has initiated legal action against the town of Hopkinton,…
Teddi Mellencamp's dad shares update about 'really sick' star

Teddi Mellencamp’s Father Provides Health Update on Ailing Star

John Mellencamp has shared a troubling update regarding his daughter Teddi Mellencamp’s…
Driver of U-Haul truck that entered Iran protest crowd speaks out: 'All I want is peace'

U-Haul Driver Breaks Silence: Seeks Peace After Incident at Iran Protest

The individual behind the wheel of a U-Haul truck that plowed through…
Off-camera hearings for Charlie Kirk's suspected assassin raise warning from legal expert

Source Reveals FBI Protection Withdrawn from Tyler Robinson’s Partner Amid Alleged Plot Against Charlie Kirk

PROVO, Utah – A law enforcement insider has confirmed to Fox News…
Newsom U-turns on his own X post as he sides with guest on ICE stance

Newsom’s Surprising ICE Stance: A Social Media Reversal Sparks Debate

California Governor Gavin Newsom has recently walked back his previous description of…
Karoline Leavitt attacks journalist after question about ICE shooting

Karoline Leavitt Criticizes Journalist Following Heated Exchange Over ICE Shooting Inquiry

Karoline Leavitt has launched a scathing critique against a British journalist who…
Chicago Bears stadium news: Bears talk with Illinois lawmakers plans in Arlington Heights, Chicago; Indiana introduces new bill

Illinois and Indiana Vie for Chicago Bears’ Home: Key Developments in Arlington Heights Stadium Talks

CHICAGO (WLS) — Known for their dramatic comebacks this season, the Chicago…
NASA carries out evacuation from ISS as astronauts return to Earth

Urgent NASA Evacuation: Astronauts Safely Return from the ISS to Earth

In an unprecedented move, NASA successfully conducted the first medical evacuation of…