Full Breakdown
Tennessee Judge Blocks Law Requiring Reporting of Sick Immigrant Children
6/26/2026, 5:05:40 AM
Core Event: Temporary Restraining Order Halts Reporting of Sick Immigrant Children
On June 24, 2026, Davidson County Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal issued a restraining order blocking the Tennessee health department from sending identifying data on 400 immigrant children in the CSS program to CIED. The order followed a lawsuit by three Siloam Health physicians who said the law’s reporting requirement forces families to choose between care and immigration risk. A hearing is set for July 2 in Nashville.
Background & Context: Law Expands Immigration Enforcement
Public Chapter 1106, passed by Republican-controlled General Assembly in early 2026, requires state and local agencies to verify immigration status before granting public benefits. It expands the Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division. House Speaker Cameron Sexton said the law provides data on “people here illegally” to keep taxpayer funds from supporting them unless they are incarcerated. Requirement applies to all benefit recipients, including CSS children under 21 with serious medical conditions.
Official Statements & Responses
The attorney general’s office said the complaint is under review; Governor Bill Lee’s office declined comment. The Department of Health called the reporting duty a statutory requirement under Public Chapter 1106.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Neither agency has clarified if children reported to CIED would be deported immediately or if parents could be detained. ICE has not answered questions about treatment-related removal delays. Moskal’s order blocks the reporting requirement but leaves the law’s enforcement unresolved.
Criticism & Opposition
Physicians from Siloam Health say law forces families into an “impossible choice,” jeopardizing care for children with cancer, cerebral palsy, seizures or diabetes. Tennessee Justice Center urges families to stay enrolled. NOAH organizers protested, urging corporations to cut immigration contracts. Critics warn policy could lower CSS enrollment and widen health disparities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is an impossible choice for mothers, and it risks the lives and the dignity of these children,” — Michele Johnson, Executive Director, Tennessee Justice Center
- “The harm will be irreparable if the court didn’t intervene,” — Michele Johnson, Tennessee Justice Center
- “We’re going to do what we can to make sure that if you’re here illegally, we will have the data, we’ll have the transparency, and we’re not spending taxpayer dollars on you unless you’re in jail,” — Cameron Sexton, Tennessee House Speaker
- “It appears to the Court that Plaintiffs will suffer immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or damage before Defendants can be heard in opposition to the motion.” — Patricia Head Moskal, Chancellor, Davidson County
What’s Next
The July 2 hearing will decide if the restraining order becomes permanent and whether Tennessee must modify or suspend the reporting requirement.
