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Judge blocks Tennessee from reporting sick kids to immigration authorities
By Holly Lehren at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· July 14, 2026
· 2 min read
A Davidson County judge has temporarily blocked Tennessee health officials from reporting identifying information about certain children enrolled in the Childrens Special Services (CSS) program to immigration enforcement.The agreed injunction comes after three Nashville doctors sued the Tennessee...
Key takeaway Childrens Special Services has provided specialized care for Tennessee children with severe disabilities and chronic illnesses for more than 50 years.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The temporary block on reporting sick kids to immigration authorities brings relief to hundreds of immigrant families in Nashville who rely on the Children's Special Services program for critical care. With about 400 immigrant children across Tennessee receiving care through this program, the potential consequences of the new reporting requirement were far-reaching. The fact that a family like Walter's, whose 10-year-old son has spina bifida, was forced to cancel a necessary surgery out of fear of immigration enforcement, illustrates the devastating impact this policy could have on vulnerable children. As the case unfolds, Nashville residents should pay attention to how the state's approach to immigration enforcement balances with its obligation to provide essential healthcare services to all children, regardless of their immigration status. The city's healthcare providers and advocates will likely continue to monitor the situation, ensuring that families can access life-saving treatments without fearing repercussions.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville 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 NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A Davidson County judge has temporarily blocked Tennessee health officials from reporting identifying information about certain children enrolled in the Childrens Special Services (CSS) program to immigration enforcement.The agreed injunction comes after three Nashville doctors sued the Tennessee...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Holly Lehren at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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