States Sue Over Data Sharing

Twenty-four Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration in U.S. District Court in Washington on Monday to block the Department of Homeland Security from accessing personal data on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients. The challenge targets a June 23 Administration for Children and Families notice that expanded federal oversight of TANF records and authorized disclosure to DHS. The data at issue covers millions of low-income families receiving cash assistance and related anti-poverty benefits. The states seek a court order preventing implementation, arguing federal officials lack authority to repurpose the records for immigration enforcement.