Colorado has joined 19 other states in a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), challenging a new federal requirement to hand over personal data of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants—data state leaders fear could be used to advance mass deportation efforts.
SNAP helps low-income Americans afford food, and over 615,000 Coloradans rely on it. The USDA recently demanded states submit names, dates of birth, addresses, Social Security numbers, immigration statuses, and benefit amounts for all SNAP applicants and recipients since January 2020.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser criticized the move:
“I’m going to protect Coloradans’ privacy. I’m going to protect access to this critical program providing food for those who need it here in Colorado.”
In its 60-year history, SNAP has never required states to share this kind of personal data. The USDA threatened to withhold funding—Colorado expects $96 million this year—if states don’t comply.
Weiser expressed concern about the federal government’s growing push for personal data under the banner of “efficiency,” citing past attempts to access Coloradans’ banking and Social Security details:
“There’s a real concern about this so-called Department of Government Efficiency getting lots of information that they don’t manage carefully and that harms our privacy.”
The lawsuit argues the USDA’s demand violates privacy laws and serves no legitimate purpose. While the USDA claims the data is necessary to prevent fraud, the states argue that SNAP already has one of the most rigorous quality control systems in place.
The suit, originally filed by California, warns the data could support President Trump’s immigration agenda. It also defends the right of non-citizen parents to apply for SNAP benefits for their U.S.-born children, noting this is both legal and essential.
Weiser noted:
“It’s never been asked before. One of the concerns, obviously, is that it could be used to aid immigration enforcement that may or may not be operating in fair and appropriate manners.”
This is Colorado’s 33rd lawsuit against the Trump administration in 2025. The state also previously challenged the transfer of Medicaid data to immigration enforcement agencies.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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