Tennessee Plans to Share Data on Children with Disabilities with Immigration Authorities - Report - MDSpire

Tennessee Plans to Share Data on Children with Disabilities with Immigration Authorities

  • By

  • Drishti Pillai

  • Akash Pillai

  • Samantha Artiga

  • June 29, 2026

  • 0 min

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Tennessee to Provide Information on Disabled Children to Immigration Enforcement Agencies

Overview

Tennessee plans to share data on children with disabilities enrolled in the CSS program with immigration enforcement, affecting around 400 families. A temporary restraining order was issued following a lawsuit to prevent this data sharing.

Background

The sharing of sensitive data regarding children with disabilities raises significant concerns about families' willingness to participate in essential health programs. This situation is part of actions in several states requiring reporting of individuals' immigration status.

Data Highlights

No numerical or trial data provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Tennessee's CSS program serves over 4,600 children with disabilities.
  • A temporary restraining order was issued to halt data sharing with immigration enforcement.
  • Health care providers warn that data sharing may lead to families discontinuing participation in the CSS program.
  • A national survey indicated an increase in immigrant adults avoiding government programs due to fears about immigration status.
  • Concerns about health officials sharing patient information with immigration authorities are prevalent among immigrant adults.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential effects of immigration enforcement on families' engagement with health services.

Conclusion

The situation in Tennessee highlights the intersection of healthcare access and immigration enforcement.

Related Resources & Content

  1. KFF, Kaiser Family Foundation, 2025 -- Children in Immigrant Families: Key Facts on Health Coverage and Care
  2. KFF, Kaiser Family Foundation, 2025 -- Recent State Actions Related to Immigrants’ Access to Services and Immigration Enforcement
  3. AAP News, American Academy of Pediatrics, 2026 -- Updated policy on adolescent confidentiality addresses new technology, range of sensitive data
  4. JAMA Network Open, 2026 -- Immigration Enforcement in Protected Areas
  5. kff health news — Could Medicaid Data Deter Emergency Care?
  6. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) — Medicaid and CHIP Eligibility, Enrollment, and Renewal Policies as States Prepare for Major Medicaid Policy Changes
  7. Could Medicaid Data Deter Emergency Care?
  8. Updated policy on adolescent confidentiality addresses new technology, range of sensitive data | AAP News | American Academy of Pediatrics
  9. Immigration Enforcement in Protected Areas
  10. Home Health Care of Children, Adolescents and Young Adults With Complex Medical Needs: Clinical Report | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics

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