local
Judge blocks Tennessee from reporting sick children to immigration authorities, for now
By Kristin M. Hall, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News
· June 25, 2026
· 3 min read
A judge temporarily ordered the Tennessee Department of Health not to give immigration authorities information about roughly 400 seriously sick and disabled immigrant children who are enrolled in a healthcare assistance program.The restraining order was issued Wednesday at the request of three Na...
Key takeaway “This is an impossible choice for mothers, and it risks the lives and the dignity of these children,” said Michele Johnson, executive director of the Tennessee Justice Center, which filed the lawsuit on the doctors' behalf.
Why this matters in Alamo Heights News
In Alamo Heights , where many families rely on similar healthcare assistance programs, the situation in Tennessee serves as a warning about the potential consequences of strict immigration policies on vulnerable populations. The Children's Special Services program in Tennessee, which provides critical medical care to children with serious conditions, has a counterpart in Texas' own Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) programs. As the court case unfolds, local healthcare providers and advocates in Bexar County may be watching closely to see how the issue is resolved, given the potential implications for their own patients and families. The fact that the Tennessee program is partially funded by federal funds adds a layer of complexity, as Texas also relies on federal funding for its own healthcare programs. The outcome of this case could have significant repercussions for how states balance immigration enforcement with the need to provide essential healthcare services to those in need.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A judge temporarily ordered the Tennessee Department of Health not to give immigration authorities information about roughly 400 seriously sick and disabled immigrant children who are enrolled in a healthcare assistance program.The restraining order was issued Wednesday at the request of three Na...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kristin M. Hall, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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