U.S. Pours Billions into Funding ICE & Deportations While Cutting Health Care Funding for Millions of Americans

Last year, the United States poured tens of billions of dollars into immigration enforcement — expanding ICE operations, Border Patrol staffing, detention centers, and deportation infrastructure. At the same time, sweeping budget legislation signed in July 2025, included large cuts to federal health care programs like Medicaid and marketplace subsidies that millions of families depend on for essential care.

In 2026, it’s continuing those choices: while billions flow into immigration enforcement, federal health care support is being reduced through cuts to Medicaid and related health coverage.

Federal cuts to Medicaid total roughly $1 trillion over the next decade, which will cause roughly 15 million Americans to lose their health coverage.

Many of these changes started to take effect in January 2026, including ending enhanced federal match rates for Medicaid expansion and narrowing eligibility rules — steps that will reduce funding that keeps low-income families insured.

Health care isn’t optional. It’s doctor visits, prescriptions, mental health care, prenatal care, cancer screenings. When funding drops, families don’t just “tighten their belts.” They skip preventive care. They defer treatment until conditions worsen. They see health outcomes worsen and costs rise.

Medicaid covers roughly one in five Americans, including low-income kids, seniors, and people with disabilities, making it one of the nation’s most relied-upon health programs.

Because of the cuts and policy changes in the new federal budget law, millions more people could lose health insurance or see coverage become harder to access over the coming years.

These are not just budget numbers. They affect real health outcomes, financial security, and the ability of families to stay healthy and safe.

We can choose to keep families i nsured, healthcare accessible, and communities strong — while still addressing immigration issues with humanity and care.

We can invest in dignity instead of deprivation.

We can choose differently.