CALIFORNIA – U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-California) raised concerns about potential federal violations in transferring Medicaid recipients’ data to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

They say the data could be used to aid immigration raids under the Trump Administration’s deportation agenda. 

According to reports, on June 10, 2025, two senior advisors at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ordered the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide Medicaid enrollees’ personally identifiable information – addresses, names, social security numbers, and immigration status – to DHS.

However, CMS officials made it clear that “multiple federal statutory and regulatory authorities do not permit CMS to share this information with entities outside of CMS.” 

“Authorized access, use, and disclosure of sensitive [personally identifiable information] health data are subject to federal and state laws enacted to protect individuals and their right to privacy,” wrote the senators.

California one of seven states targeted by DHS

The lawmakers say that California is one of seven states that was reportedly targeted by DHS for the disclosure of this personally identifiable data.

“We are deeply troubled that this administration intends to use individuals’ private health information for the unrelated purpose of possible enforcement actions targeting lawful noncitizens and mixed status families,” wrote the senators.

They go on to say that the decision by HHS to share confidential health information with DHS is a departure from established federal privacy protections that should alarm all Americans.

Senators demand DHS destroy data already shared

The senators asked DHS and the HHS to explain how sharing data without consent complies with federal laws.

These laws include the Privacy Act, HIPAA, and regulations guiding the government’s use of personal information, including addresses and private health information.

They also demanded DHS destroy shared data to prevent misuse and end its data-sharing partnerships with HHS.

To view the full letter visit https://www.schiff.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Schiff-Padilla-Letter-re-Private-Medicaid-Data.pdf