Two Dozen States Sue to Stop DHS From Getting the Personal Data of Families on Welfare

A coalition of 24 Democratic states sued the Trump administration on Aug. 3, 2026 to block immigration authorities from obtaining personal data on families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits. The suit challenges a June notice to states that would let the Administration for Children and Families share detailed information about benefit recipients with other federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security. Congress created TANF in 1996; the program sends about $16 billion to states and tribal governments, which administer the aid.

The case tests whether data collected to administer a benefits program can be redirected to immigration enforcement, and follows earlier administration efforts to obtain records from other benefit systems.

Federal officials say the access is needed to keep people without legal status from receiving benefits for which they are not eligible. New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said federal law sets clear limits on sharing sensitive personal data; California Attorney General Rob Bonta called the effort cruel, unnecessary and illegal. No court has ruled on the claims.