DHS Seeks Access to Massive Employment, Salary and Family Database Legally Restricted to Use in Child Support Cases

ProPublicaCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Eli HagerMarch 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seeking access to the Federal Parent Locator Service, a comprehensive database containing personal and employment information on nearly all Americans. Maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the database is legally restricted to child support enforcement purposes. It includes names, addresses, Social Security numbers, employment details, and family relationships, including sensitive information on children and domestic violence victims. Current and former federal officials express concern that granting DHS access would violate federal law and undermine the child support program. They fear employers may stop reporting employee information and that it would deter individuals from seeking child support due to fear of immigration enforcement. HHS is currently considering the request.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Immigration and Customs Enforcement 30% Bethanne Barnes 40% Vicki Turetsky 40% Administration for Children and Families 40% Trump administration 50% United States 60% Federal Parent Locator Service 70% Department of Health and Human Services ×280% Department of Homeland Security ×390%

Keywords

child support 90% federal parent locator service 90% data access 80% department of homeland security 80% database 70% employment data 70% immigration enforcement 60% privacy 60% data security 50%