NIH Vigils Newsletter 1/11/2026
Updates for the Week—ICE Out for Good
HHS Vaccine Changes
RFK Jr. decimated the childhood vaccine schedule, reducing the number of recommended shots from 17 to 11. In response, Senator Cassidy, a physician who was the deciding vote in approving RFK Jr. as Secretary of HHS, said this move will “make America sicker” and was “based on no scientific evidence.” Although some of these vaccines may be harder to get in some states, it’s important to note that they will all still be covered under insurance in 2026.
Nutritional Guidance Changes
The government released a new “upside down” food pyramid. Although most nutritional recommendations remain largely unchanged, at the press conference, RFK Jr. heavily promoted meat and dairy products. Despite RFK Jr.’s criticism of corporate influence, it was later revealed that several members of the panel behind these guidelines have financial ties to the meat and dairy industries.
Judge Allows HHS to Share Information with ICE
In July, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS, an agency within HHS) entered into a formal data-sharing agreement with ICE without any notice. All states offer emergency Medicaid—temporary coverage that pays only for lifesaving services in emergency rooms and accounts for less than 1% of the program’s expenses—to anyone, regardless of immigration status. After a report from the Associated Press, a judge halted this data sharing due to privacy concerns, but last week, the judge allowed HHS to resume sharing "basic biographical, location and contact information" about undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. with ICE.
After 25 Days, ICE Releases Maryland Woman Who Says She is a U.S. Citizen
The Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday released a Maryland woman who was held for 25 days despite evidence that her lawyers say proves she was born in the United States and is a citizen.
An ICE Agent Shot and Killed Renee Good
Renee Good was fatally shot behind the wheel of her vehicle by an ICE agent after dropping off her youngest child at an elementary school in Minneapolis. At least five people have been shot and killed by ICE agents and 32 people died in ICE custody in 2025.
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Keep up the good trouble, and stay safe out there.
In solidarity,
NIH Vigils
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m., Medical Center Metro Station in front of the NIH Visitors Center.
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