The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in coordination with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has formally requested access to a federal database maintained by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The goal is to identify undocumented immigrants by cross-referencing Social Security numbers with Medicare claim records.

According to internal documents and a source familiar with the matter, ICE and DOGE are seeking to use the CMS system to uncover addresses linked to undocumented individuals. The request marks a new method of leveraging federal health data to aid immigration enforcement strategies.

A spokesperson for DOGE confirmed the request and explained that the primary objective is to ensure that benefits designated for U.S. citizens are not being accessed by undocumented immigrants. “This is about safeguarding taxpayer-funded programs and improving enforcement efficiency,” the spokesperson stated.

The database in question includes sensitive information tied to Medicare and Medicaid claims, including Social Security numbers and residential addresses. If approved, the initiative would represent a significant expansion of data sharing between immigration authorities and federal health agencies.

The move has raised immediate privacy and legal concerns, with immigration rights advocates warning about the potential misuse of medical data. Critics argue that accessing Medicare systems for immigration enforcement could discourage vulnerable populations from seeking medical care or applying for legitimate public benefits.

While ICE has historically used various federal data tools to support enforcement efforts, the use of CMS data would represent an unprecedented step, blurring the lines between healthcare administration and immigration policy.

As of now, CMS has not issued a public response or decision regarding the request. Legal experts anticipate that any approval would likely spark lawsuits or calls for congressional oversight, particularly regarding the handling of personally identifiable information and the scope of federal agency cooperation.

This development comes as President Donald Trump’s administration continues to pursue aggressive immigration enforcement measures in his second term, focusing on both border security and internal tracking efforts. The request is part of a broader effort to enhance operational coordination between federal departments in curbing undocumented immigration.