Reps. Kelly, Barragan, Clarke Lead Letter to RFK Jr., Demanding Answers on Health Data Given to ICE

WASHINGTON – U.S. Reps. Robin Kelly (IL-02), Yvette Clarke (NY-09) and Nanette Barragán (CA-44) led a letter with 30 other Members of Congress to U.S. Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. to demand he cease sharing private, identifiable information of Medicaid enrollees with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

“The role of HHS should be to protect the health of all those living in this country and provide essential human services, not to be a watchdog for DHS or act as immigration enforcement,” the Members stated in the letter. “For decades, the U.S. has ensured emergency medical care to anyone in need, regardless of immigration status. The use of Medicaid data for immigration enforcement weaponizes health care as a surveillance mechanism for DHS.”

The Members continued to outline the devastating consequences of misusing sensitive health data under the Trump administration, jeopardizing the privacy of over 79 million Americans.

“As a result, HHS erodes trust in the U.S. health care system, and we fear the consequences of this betrayal on public health. Immigrants across the country, no matter their status, will fear repercussions for seeking out emergency medical care. Black and Brown Americans, already skeptical of the integrity of the health care system, may also avoid seeking care or coverage for fear of persecution. Even slight delays in care can have disastrous health consequences for these communities and the broader U.S. population.”

Read full letter here.