DHS investigating California for allegedly providing federal benefits to undocumented migrants

LOS ANGELES -- The state of California is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security for allegedly providing federal benefits to immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally.

The California Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) is being subpoenaed over the matter. Federal officials accuse the program of helping migrants receive benefits who are ineligible for Social Security benefits because of their immigration status.

The subpoena requests all records from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services, which administers the state program, to determine if ineligible migrants received Supplemental Security Income from the Social Security Administration between January 2021 and now.

For some aged, blind, and disabled non-citizens living in the state, CAPI is a critical safety net. But now, the program is under federal scrutiny.

"Only lawful immigrants can receive the benefits of the cash program," said UC Davis Law Professor Kevin R. Johnson.

Johnson says applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements. The Trump administration is now targeting the program.

Homeland Security Investigations issued a Title 8 subpoena, demanding information about applicants from the L.A. County Department of Public Social Services.

"There is some federal money attached, and that is why the Trump administration is seeking to determine whether or not the money is being spent consistent with the wishes of Congress," Johnson said.

In a statement, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said, "Radical left politicians in California prioritize illegal aliens over our own citizens, including by giving illegal aliens access to cash benefits."

In response, the Office of Gov.Gavin Newsom said the program is "for individuals with lawful status, legal protections, or those applying for them, including victims of crime and trafficking."

"The question here is whether there is any real evidence that the program has been abused in some way or whether unlawful immigrants are receiving any kind of benefits from the program," Johnson said. "There is no real reason to think that there is."

HSI Los Angeles is subpoenaing the following records, according to the agency:

• 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

"We don't know if it might be used for immigration enforcement operations," Johnson said of the records subpoenaed.

Noem says while the focus of the subpoena is L.A. County, it's just the beginning.