local
Judge blocks Tennessee from reporting sick children to immigration authorities, for now
By Kristin M. Hall, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· 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 Magnolia News
The situation in Tennessee has implications for Montgomery County, where many residents have family ties or personal connections to the Volunteer State. As the case unfolds, local healthcare providers and social services in Magnolia may be watching closely to see how the court's decision affects their own interactions with immigrant families. The Children's Special Services program at the center of the lawsuit is similar to programs in Texas that provide critical medical care to children with serious health conditions, regardless of their immigration status. If the Tennessee law is upheld, it could set a precedent that influences how Texas administers its own public benefits, potentially affecting the lives of children and families in Magnolia and beyond. The July 2 hearing in Nashville will be a key moment in this case, and its outcome may have ripple effects in communities like Magnolia, where access to healthcare is a pressing concern.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia 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 KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
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 KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kristin M. Hall, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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