The Trump administration launches a probe into California’s immigrant assistance program where nearly 17,000 noncitizens receive monthly payments up to $1,206, raising concerns about potential fraud and misuse of taxpayer dollars.
At a Glance
- DHS is investigating California’s Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) for potentially paying ineligible illegal aliens
- CAPI provides up to $1,206.94 monthly to noncitizens who are elderly, blind, or disabled and ineligible for Social Security benefits
- ICE issued a subpoena to Los Angeles County to verify if ineligible individuals received benefits since January 2021
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem warns illegal immigrants that “the gravy train is over”
- The program served 16,852 recipients as of July 2024, with potential expansion of the investigation beyond Los Angeles County
Federal Investigation Targets California’s Immigrant Benefits Program
The Department of Homeland Security has launched an investigation into California’s Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI), focusing on whether the program has improperly distributed benefits to illegal aliens who don’t qualify. The probe, initiated by the Trump administration, has begun with a formal subpoena to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services, which administers the program locally. Federal officials are requesting comprehensive documentation on applicants, including details on immigration status verification procedures and proof of ineligibility for federal Social Security benefits.
CAPI was established in 1998 following the 1996 Welfare Reform Act, which restricted legal immigrants from accessing most public assistance during their first five years in the United States.
The program specifically targets noncitizens who are over 65, blind, or disabled who cannot receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to their immigration status. Recipients can receive up to $1,206.94 monthly from the state-funded program, with 16,852 individuals receiving benefits as of July 2024. Ironically, U.S. citizens are not eligible for this program, as it was designed exclusively for qualified noncitizens.
Grok was asked to estimate the total taxpayer costs for illegal immigrants during Biden’s administration, including welfare, medical expenses, housing, food, and transport. Here's the answer.
Estimating the total cost of taxpayer-funded services for illegal immigrants during the…
— Michael Doyle (@MWD22853575) April 30, 2025
DHS Secretary Issues Stern Warning to Illegal Immigrants
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has taken a firm stance on the investigation, criticizing California’s approach to immigrant benefits. The subpoena issued by ICE Homeland Security Investigations seeks to determine whether ineligible individuals have improperly received Supplemental Security Income from January 2021 to the present. Officials are particularly concerned about proper verification of immigration status and eligibility requirements for the program, which is intended for noncitizens legally present in the U.S. or those meeting specific refugee criteria.
Noem has issued a clear message to individuals in the country illegally, stating that they “should leave now” because “the gravy train is over.” The investigation into Los Angeles County is described as “just the beginning,” suggesting a broader review of California’s benefit programs may be forthcoming. DHS officials report that under the previous administration, more than 2 million ineligible illegal aliens received Social Security Numbers in fiscal year 2024 alone, raising significant concerns about the proper use of taxpayer funds.
California’s Expanding Benefits for Noncitizens
The investigation comes as California has steadily expanded benefits available to noncitizens, including those without legal status. CAPI participants may qualify for additional state programs, including Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program), In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), and potentially CalFresh food benefits. In 2024, California expanded Medi-Cal to all income-qualifying illegal immigrants, at a cost of $9.5 billion through February of the 2024-2025 fiscal year, representing a significant commitment of state resources to noncitizen residents.
The investigation aligns with President Trump’s recent memorandum directing federal agencies to ensure ineligible aliens do not receive Social Security funds. The administration has emphasized its commitment to enforcing eligibility verification for federal benefits and prioritizing American citizens in the allocation of government resources. Los Angeles County, where officials estimate that 10% of residents are illegal immigrants, now finds itself at the center of a growing controversy over the proper use of public funds and the enforcement of immigration laws.
