The Department of Homeland Security is conducting an investigation into the state of California regarding claims that it has extended federal benefits to immigrants living in the United States unlawfully.
The focus of the investigation is the California Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI), which is currently under a federal subpoena. Officials allege that the program may have allowed ineligible migrants, who are prohibited from receiving Social Security benefits due to their immigration status, to obtain public assistance, as reported by ABC7.
The subpoena requests all documentation from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services, which oversees CAPI, for the timeframe spanning from January 2021 to the current date. Investigators aim to ascertain if any ineligible persons have received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) via the Social Security Administration.
CAPI plays a crucial role in providing assistance to certain elderly, visually impaired, and disabled non-citizens in California; however, it is currently facing federal examination as part of a wider enforcement initiative.
According to UC Davis Law Professor Kevin R. Johnson, only legal immigrants are eligible to receive benefits from the cash program. He further stated that applicants are required to fulfill stringent eligibility criteria.
According to a press release issued by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations in Los Angeles is requesting the following records through a subpoena:
Applicant’s Name and Date of Birth
Copies of Applications, Immigration Status
Proof of Ineligibility for SSI from the Social Security Administration
Affidavits Supporting the Application
California’s radical left politicians place a higher priority on illegal immigrants than on American citizens, including by providing illegal immigrants with access to financial assistance,” stated DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. “The Trump Administration is collaborating to uncover the misuse and exploitation of public benefits, ensuring that individuals residing in this country unlawfully do not receive federal assistance or any financial incentives to remain here illegally.
Individuals residing in the country unlawfully are advised to depart immediately, as the period of leniency has concluded. Although this subpoena pertains specifically to Los Angeles County, it marks the commencement of further actions, she remarked.
On April 15, 2025, President Donald Trump enacted the Memorandum aimed at preventing illegal aliens from accessing Social Security Act benefits, as part of a strategy to discourage illegal immigration and protect taxpayer funds.
The directive mandates the Secretary of Homeland Security, in collaboration with the Secretaries of Labor and Health and Human Services, the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, and the Attorney General, to implement measures aimed at preventing ineligible undocumented immigrants from obtaining Social Security benefits.
The statement from DHS emphasized the importance of civil and criminal enforcement actions against states or localities that could be in violation of Title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA).
According to Johnson’s statement to ABC7, there are federal funds involved, which is why the Trump administration is attempting to ascertain if the expenditure of these funds aligns with Congressional intent.
The Office of Governor Gavin Newsom (D) stated that the program is intended for individuals who possess lawful status, have legal protections, or are in the process of applying for such status, including victims of crime and trafficking.
The issue at hand is to determine if there is substantial evidence indicating that the program has been misused in any manner or if undocumented immigrants are obtaining any benefits from the program, Johnson stated.
He stated that there is no substantial basis for such a belief; however, it appears probable that the Trump administration did not initiate its investigation without cause and is likely reacting to information suggesting that the program may have been mismanaged for certain individuals residing in the country unlawfully.
Johnson stated that it is uncertain whether the subpoenaed records could be utilized for immigration enforcement activities.
As stated in the DHS press release, “During the prior administration, over 2 million unauthorized immigrants were issued a Social Security Number in the fiscal year 2024 alone.”
