HHS creates mental health office for immigration enforcement trauma victims
H.R. 9365 — HEART Act of 2026 · Filed by Luz Rivas (D-CA) · 2 cosponsors · Introduced Jun 18, 2026 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a new office within HHS to provide mental health services and trauma support to communities affected by federal immigration law enforcement actions. The office will fund mobile mental health teams, counseling vouchers, grants to local health providers and community organizations, workforce training, and public awareness campaigns—all explicitly prohibited from sharing data with the Department of Homeland Security or other immigration enforcement agencies.
Why we flagged it
The bill establishes a new federal mental health office and grant program serving a specific vulnerable population (communities affected by immigration enforcement). It is a straightforward public health initiative with no hidden mechanisms or private carve-outs.
What the text implies
- The data firewall (prohibition on sharing with DHS) may create tension with other federal agencies' information-sharing protocols and could face legal challenge if DHS asserts a statutory right to access public health data.
- The bill's reliance on Medicaid flexibilities and state cooperation means implementation will vary significantly by state, potentially creating unequal access to services across jurisdictions.
The full analysis lists 4 implications of this text.
Who stands to gain
Community-based organizations providing mental health services; Federally qualified health centers; Rural health clinics