A federal court has issued a preliminary injunction that prevents the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from using Medicaid data obtained from California and other coalition states for immigration enforcement purposes. The ruling also blocks the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from sharing such data with DHS for these purposes.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the decision, stating, “The Trump Administration’s move to use Medicaid data for immigration enforcement upended longstanding policy protections without notice or consideration for the consequences. It sowed a culture of fear that threatens our Medicaid system, caused chaos for states and providers, and created a chilling effect for patients seeking vital emergency medical care,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Today’s preliminary injunction rightfully blocks any sharing of California’s Medicaid data for immigration enforcement for now — and ensures any of the data that’s already been shared is not being used for immigration enforcement purposes. As the President continues to overstep his authority in his inhumane anti-immigrant crusade, this is a clear reminder that he remains bound by the law.”
The injunction will remain until either 14 days after HHS and DHS complete a compliant decision-making process under the Administrative Procedure Act or until litigation concludes.
On July 1, 2025, California led a group of states in filing suit against the Trump Administration, arguing that transferring Medicaid data to DHS violated legal requirements and would deter eligible noncitizens from enrolling in necessary healthcare programs. The lawsuit claimed these actions could cause noncitizens and their families to avoid enrolling in emergency Medicaid coverage due to fear, leaving state governments responsible for federally mandated emergency health services.
Medicaid was established in 1965 as a key health insurance program for low-income individuals including children, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and seniors. States design their own plans within federal guidelines to meet local needs. As of January 2025, more than 78 million people were enrolled nationwide in Medicaid or CHIP.
California’s Medi-Cal program covers about one-third of state residents—including over two million noncitizens such as green card holders, refugees, those with temporary protected status or DACA recipients—using both federal and state funds depending on eligibility criteria.
Attorney General Bonta led attorneys general from Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington in bringing this legal challenge.
A copy of the preliminary injunction order is available here.
