The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) is aware of Associated Press, Wired and Los Angeles Times reporting that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may have direct access to Medicaid (Medi-Cal) data. We are still working with state authorities to confirm the extent, but based off the reporting, ICE may have access to a wide variety of personal data, from medical information to home addresses. Further, per multiple news outlets the purpose of this unprecedented access is to allow ICE to identify and locate non-U.S. citizens.

Our agency only uses client personal information to determine eligibility for benefits like Medi-Cal. That information is stored in a state-run database. Under federal oversight laws, California is required to provide some data to the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The County of Orange was not involved in the decision to transfer any client data to the Department of Homeland Security or ICE. We caution clients that disenrolling from benefits will not retroactively remove their personal information from the state-run database.

We understand that this news may create fear or hesitation in seeking services, but our mission remains clear — to serve all members of our community with compassion, integrity and respect.

According to reporting by the Associated Press, the Trump administration directed the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to transfer the personal data of millions of Medicaid enrollees to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This data transfer appears to be part of broader federal immigration enforcement efforts.

What to Know:

• What Happened: On June 10, CMS was directed to send DHS personal information — including names, addresses, Social Security numbers and claims history — of Medicaid enrollees, including non-U.S. citizens enrolled in state-funded programs in California, Illinois, Washington State and Washington, D.C.
• Why It Matters: This data, provided for the purpose of administering healthcare, may now be used to locate individuals for immigration enforcement or to challenge their future immigration applications. Experts warn this could include green card or naturalization denials due to past Medicaid use.

States Affected So Far:

• Provided Data to DHS: California, Washington, Illinois and Washington, D.C.
• Requested but Not Yet Complied: New York, Oregon, Minnesota and Colorado

These states operate state-funded Medicaid programs for immigrants who are otherwise ineligible for federal Medicaid and had committed not to bill the federal government. Nevertheless, the federal government is now demanding their data as part of a sweeping review ordered under the recent executive order, Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders.

What This Means for Our Communities:

• Fear and Confusion: Many individuals and families may now be hesitant to seek critical health care services, even if they are eligible — out of fear their personal information could be used against them.
• Impact on Public Health and Trust: We are already hearing of increased anxiety among clients and communities, and we are concerned this will further erode trust in public institutions and care providers.

How We Can Respond Together:

1. Reassure Clients: Let community members know that emergency services remain available and that they should not delay seeking care if needed.
2. Know the Facts: This action affects a specific data transfer from states to the federal government and does not currently mean that all Medicaid recipients are being reported to DHS.
3. Stay Informed: We will continue monitoring developments and will share updates as soon as they become available.
4. Coordinate Legal Support: If you hear of clients being directly affected, please help connect them to legal assistance and document the issue for potential collective advocacy.

We understand how distressing this news may be. Please know that we stand with you and the communities we serve. Now more than ever, our shared efforts to build safety, dignity and access for immigrants are critical. 

The County of Orange Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) recently marked its 1-year anniversary of serving vulnerable populations by spotlighting personal stories of hope and perseverance and reaffirming its unwavering commitment to supporting residents across the region.

Held at Newsong Church in Santa Ana, OIRA’s anniversary event brought together more than 160  residents and community leaders from various cultures and backgrounds to celebrate the unique characteristics, stories and contributions of refugee and immigrant residents in Orange County. 

Since April 2024, when Director Jose Serrano took the helm, OIRA has helped nearly 5,000 Orange County residents through a variety of direct services, including referrals to immigration legal assistance, food and nutritional aid, and housing support.

“OIRA helps create belonging, collaboration and economic prosperity across Orange County,” said OIRA Director Jose Serrano. “Immigrants and refugees bring with them many talents, innovations and skills. Sometimes, additional tools are needed to help them achieve their full potential. OIRA is committed to ensuring all residents, regardless of background and country of origin, have access to services and support that empower them to thrive and uplift others.”

Orange County has long been a refuge for those fleeing violence, war and economic upheaval across the globe. Today, more than a third of Orange County’s 3.2 million residents are immigrants, paying 
$10.5 billion annually in taxes, according to the American Immigration Council. An estimated 77,000 immigrant entrepreneurs call Orange County home.

“Refugees and immigrants bring a wealth of culture and diversity to Orange County, and contribute and help sustain its economic growth,” said OC Board of Supervisors Chair Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “OIRA has been instrumental in supporting immigrants and providing refugees with the tools and resources they need to rebuild their lives.”

Among the residents supported by OIRA is Maribel Toan, a local resident who was brought to the U.S. by her parents from Mexico when she was a child.

“OIRA is oxygen for our community,” said Toan, co-founder of The MIX Academy, a nonprofit providing free food, services and educational programming — including cooking, sports, arts and language classes — to Orange County residents in need. “Many immigrants are seeking educational and professional opportunities so they can support their families and become productive members of our communities. We’ve been able to partner with OIRA to create spaces for learning and hope.” 

Established by the Board of Supervisors in April 2023, OIRA supports the County’s immigrant and refugee communities in accordance with requirements of state and federal law to help them gain stability and self-sufficiency. 

“Knowing the County has a place where immigrants can collaborate, listen and dream has been a treasure,” Toan added. “The work being done by OIRA is essential, especially in our society today.”