US rights groups sue over child care funding freeze

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the National Women's Law Center, and the National Center for Law and Economic Justice have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) over a freeze on child care subsidies. The lawsuit seeks correspondence between federal officials and pro-Trump online influencer Nick Shirley, according to Reuters.

A viral video by Shirley in late 2025, which was publicly amplified and credited by senior administration officials, alleged that some childcare centers in Minnesota were fraudulent. News reports later described the claims as misleading and exaggerated.

Earlier this month, HHS rescinded a $10 billion freeze on child care subsidies and social services funding for five Democratic-led states: California, Illinois, Colorado, New York, and Minnesota. The freeze was lifted after legal obstacles, including a federal judge's order blocking the government from freezing the funds earlier this year during a lawsuit brought by the states.

President Donald Trump, who earlier this year ordered an aggressive immigration crackdown in Minnesota, has alleged that Somali communities in the state have engaged in fraud. Rights groups argue that the crackdown has created a fearful environment and that Trump has used isolated fraud cases as an excuse to target immigrants. They also criticize Trump's ability to tackle fraud, citing his pardons of individuals convicted of fraud.

According to Mehr News, the lawsuit highlights concerns over the administration's use of unverified claims to justify funding cuts affecting vulnerable populations.