The state of California is currently being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security regarding allegations that it has provided federal benefits to immigrants living in the U.S. unlawfully.
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 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 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 in an interview with the local media. He 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 documents:
– Applicant’s Name and Date of Birth
– Copies of Applications
– Immigration Status
– Evidence of Ineligibility for SSI from the Social Security Administration
– Affidavits Supporting the Application
“Radical left politicians in California are prioritizing illegal immigrants over our own citizens, including by granting illegal aliens access to cash benefits,” remarked DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. “The Trump Administration is collaborating to uncover abuse and exploitation of public benefits, ensuring that individuals residing in this country unlawfully do not receive federal benefits or other financial incentives to remain here illegally.
“If you are an illegal immigrant, you should depart immediately. The era of easy benefits is over. Although this subpoena pertains solely to Los Angeles County, it marks just the beginning,” she concluded.
On April 15, 2025, President Donald Trump enacted the Memorandum on Preventing Illegal Aliens from Obtaining Social Security Act Benefits to discourage illegal immigration and protect taxpayer funds.
The memorandum directs 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 that prevent ineligible illegal immigrants from accessing Social Security benefits.
Additionally, it emphasizes civil and criminal enforcement against states or local governments that may be infringing upon Title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), as noted by the Department of Homeland Security.
“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 obtaining them, including victims of crime and trafficking.
“The inquiry at hand is whether there exists any substantial evidence indicating that the program has been misused in any manner or if unauthorized immigrants are obtaining any form of benefits from the program,” Johnson stated.
“There is no substantial basis to believe that there is,” he continued, although it appears probable that the Trump administration did not initiate its investigation without cause and is likely reacting to some information suggesting that the program may have been improperly administered to at least a few individuals residing in the country unlawfully.
“We are uncertain if it could potentially be utilized for immigration enforcement activities,” Johnson remarked 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.”
