California suing Trump after Medicaid data reportedly shared with ICE officials [View all]
Source: Sacramento Bee
Updated July 1, 2025 5:32 PM
California on Tuesday led a coalition of states in filing a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration over its alleged sharing of Medicaid recipients’ health data with immigration enforcement agencies, Attorney General Rob Bonta said. Bonta cited news reports that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services granted what it described as “unfettered access” to individuals’ health records.
He said the action violated privacy laws and long-standing practices separating Medicaid information from law enforcement. “I’m sickened by this latest salvo in the President’s anti-immigrant campaign,” Bonta said in a statement. “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.”
The lawsuit, which names Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and their respective departments, was filed in federal court in San Francisco on behalf of California and 19 other states. It alleges that the administration changed its privacy policies without going through the process of holding hearings or announcing changes in its regulations.
“In June, 2025, the federal government’s policy of keeping State Medicaid agencies’ healthcare records confidential abruptly changed, without notice, opportunity for public input, or reasoned decision-making,” the complaint filed by the 20 states says. In California, Medi-Cal — the state’s version of Medicaid — provides coverage for one in three residents.
Read more: https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article309791255.html
Link to PRESS RELEASE - Attorney General Bonta Sues Trump Administration for Illegally Sharing Californians’ Personal Health Data with ICE
Link to SUIT (PDF) - https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/attachments/press-docs/CA%20v.%20HHS%2C%20Complaint%207.1.25.pdf
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