Federal judge blocks DHS from using Medicaid data for immigration enforcement

WASHINGTON – A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from using Medicaid data from Washington and 19 other states, including Oregon, for immigration enforcement.

Attorney General Nick Brown confirmed the ruling, which also prevents the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from sharing Medicaid data with DHS. The judge stated that Washington and other states are likely to succeed in their claim that the action violated the Administrative Procedure Act.

The preliminary injunction will remain in effect as the lawsuit progresses in court.

In July, Washington joined other states in suing the Trump administration. The lawsuit argues that the mass transfer of Medicaid data violates the law and seeks to block any new transfer or use of this data