DHS Launches Probe Into California Over Alleged Benefits to Illegal Migrants

At the heart of this investigation is the California Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI), which is now subject to a federal subpoena. Authorities assert that the program may have allowed ineligible migrants, who are prohibited from receiving Social Security benefits due to their immigration status, to gain access to public assistance, as reported by ABC7.

The subpoena requests all records from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services, which oversees CAPI, for the timeframe from January 2021 to the present. Investigators aim to ascertain whether any ineligible individuals have received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through the Social Security Administration.

Although CAPI is an essential support system for certain aged, blind, and disabled non-citizens in California, it is now facing federal examination as part of a wider enforcement initiative.

“Only lawful immigrants are eligible to receive benefits from the cash program,” stated UC Davis Law Professor Kevin R. Johnson to the local news outlet. He further emphasized that applicants are required to fulfill stringent eligibility criteria.

According to a press release issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), HSI Los Angeles is in the process of subpoenaing the following records:

–Applicant’s Name and Date of Birth

–Copies of Applications

–Immigration Status

–Proof of Ineligibility for SSI from the Social Security Administration

–Affidavits in Support of the Application

“Radical left politicians in California are prioritizing illegal aliens over our own citizens, including by providing illegal aliens with access to cash benefits,” stated DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. “The Trump Administration is collaborating to identify instances of abuse and exploitation of public benefits, ensuring that individuals residing in this country illegally do not receive federal benefits or other financial incentives to remain unlawfully.

“If you are an illegal immigrant, you should depart immediately. The gravy train has come to an end. Although this subpoena pertains solely to Los Angeles County, it marks only the beginning,” she further remarked.

On April 15, 2025, President Donald Trump enacted the Memorandum on Preventing Illegal Aliens from Obtaining Social Security Act Benefits, aiming to deter illegal immigration and protect taxpayer resources.

The directive mandates that 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, take measures to prevent ineligible illegal immigrants from obtaining Social Security benefits.

Additionally, it emphasizes civil and criminal enforcement against states or localities that may be infringing upon Title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), as noted by DHS.

“There is some federal funding involved, which is why the Trump administration is attempting to ascertain whether the funds are being utilized in accordance with Congressional intent,” Johnson informed ABC7.

In reply, the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom (D) stated that the program is intended for individuals with lawful status, legal protections, or those in the process of applying for them, including victims of crime and trafficking.

“The critical issue is whether there is substantial evidence indicating that the program has been misused or that unlawful immigrants are receiving any benefits from it,” Johnson remarked.

“There is no substantial reason to believe that this is the case,” he continued, although it appears that the Trump administration did not initiate its investigation without cause and is likely reacting to information suggesting that the program may have been improperly administered to some individuals residing in the country illegally.

“We are uncertain if it could be utilized for immigration enforcement activities,” Johnson commented regarding the records that have been subpoenaed.

As per the DHS press release, “During the previous administration, over 2 million ineligible illegal aliens were issued a Social Security Number in fiscal year 2024 alone.”