Coalition of States Files Lawsuit Against Trump Administration Over SNAP Data Demand
Washington, D.C. — A coalition of 20 state attorneys general has filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s recent demand for personal data from participants in the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The attorneys general fear that this data request—part of broader efforts to crack down on illegal immigration—will be used for mass deportations rather than the stated goal of combating fraud and abuse.
Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) ordered states to provide sensitive information about SNAP beneficiaries, which serves over 42 million low-income individuals nationwide, by Wednesday. The USDA claims this data will help monitor program integrity. However, the attorneys general argue that revealing personal details, such as immigration status and home addresses, poses a significant risk to the privacy of vulnerable populations.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta characterized the administration’s actions as a deceitful strategy, stating, “SNAP recipients provided this information to get help, not to be targets of a government surveillance database.” Alongside California, attorneys general from states including Maine, Arizona, and Massachusetts are standing firm against this data-sharing mandate.
Advocates for immigration reform and data privacy have expressed deep concerns over the administration’s intentions, recalling past incidents where similar justifications were used to enable deportation efforts. USDA officials have warned that failing to comply with the data request could result in withheld SNAP funding.
While immigrants without legal status cannot receive SNAP benefits, they can apply on behalf of U.S. citizen children or mixed-status families. Critics argue that the government’s focus on data collection indicates a troubling trend towards immigration enforcement in programs designed to support vulnerable individuals.
The lawsuit seeks an injunction to prevent the transfer of sensitive data, emphasizing the need to protect the privacy rights of those relying on vital food assistance.
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