Ohio among states claiming ICE accessed Medicaid data despite court order
COLUMBUS — Ohio is among several states alleging that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement illegally accessed Medicaid beneficiary data despite a federal court order blocking such activities, according to court documents filed this week.
The states claim ICE continued to pull sensitive health information from Medicaid databases even after a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting the practice. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s office joined the multi-state legal challenge targeting what officials describe as unauthorized data collection.
The allegations center on ICE’s alleged use of the Medicaid database to identify and locate undocumented immigrants receiving healthcare benefits. States argue this practice violates patient privacy protections and could discourage eligible individuals from seeking medical care.
Court Order Allegedly Ignored
According to the filing, ICE agents reportedly accessed Medicaid records from multiple states after U.S. District Judge Sarah Netburn issued a temporary restraining order on March 15. The order specifically prohibited federal immigration authorities from using state Medicaid data for enforcement purposes.
Court documents indicate that despite the judicial directive, ICE conducted at least 47 data queries across participating states between March 16 and March 28. Ohio officials report that state Medicaid systems logged multiple unauthorized access attempts during this period.
“This represents a clear violation of both the court’s authority and our citizens’ privacy rights,” said a spokesperson for the Ohio Attorney General’s office, who requested anonymity due to the ongoing litigation.
Privacy Concerns Mount
Healthcare advocates in Ohio express concern that the alleged data access could create a chilling effect on seeking medical care. Dr. Maria Santos, director of the Ohio Health Equity Coalition, said immigrant families may avoid necessary medical treatment if they fear their information could be shared with immigration authorities.
“When people are afraid to seek healthcare, it affects entire communities,” Santos said. “Public health depends on everyone having access to care without fear.”
The Medicaid database contains sensitive information including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and detailed medical histories of beneficiaries. Federal law generally requires warrants or subpoenas for law enforcement access to such records.
Federal Response Pending
ICE officials have not responded to requests for comment regarding the alleged violations. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, previously defended the data access as necessary for immigration enforcement operations.
The case returns to federal court next week, where Judge Netburn will consider whether to extend the temporary restraining order. Legal experts say the alleged violations could strengthen the states’ case for a permanent injunction blocking ICE access to Medicaid data.
Ohio processed more than 3.2 million Medicaid applications in 2025, according to state health department statistics. The state’s Medicaid program serves approximately 2.8 million residents, including children, elderly adults, and individuals with disabilities.
The multi-state lawsuit includes attorneys general from California, New York, Illinois, and 12 other states. They argue that federal immigration enforcement should not compromise state-administered healthcare programs designed to serve vulnerable populations.
Sources: Ohio Capital Journal
