local
Judge blocks Tennessee from reporting sick children to immigration authorities, for now
By Kristin M. Hall, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio
· 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 Terrell Hills News
The temporary block on reporting sick children to immigration authorities in Tennessee has implications for the San Antonio area, where many families have ties to the Volunteer State. As the case unfolds, local healthcare providers and immigrant advocacy groups in Terrell Hills and surrounding communities will be watching closely, considering the potential ripple effects on their own clients and patients. The Children's Special Services program at the center of the lawsuit is similar to programs offered in Texas, which also rely on federal funding to support children with serious medical conditions. If the Tennessee law is upheld, it could embolden lawmakers in other states, including Texas, to introduce similar measures, potentially affecting hundreds of families in the San Antonio area who rely on these programs for critical healthcare services. The July 2 hearing in Nashville will be a key moment in this case, with significant stakes for immigrant families and healthcare providers in Terrell Hills and beyond.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Terrell Hills 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 affiliate) — San Antonio . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio ·
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 affiliate) — San Antonio and curated for Terrell Hills News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kristin M. Hall, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio. To learn more about how Terrell Hills News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Terrell Hills News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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