The California state government is currently being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security regarding claims that it has extended federal benefits to immigrants living in the United States without legal status.

Central to this investigation is the California Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI), which is now subject to a federal subpoena. Authorities 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 from January 2021 to the present. Investigators aim to ascertain whether any ineligible individuals have received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration.

Although CAPI is an essential support mechanism for certain elderly, blind, and disabled non-citizens in California, it is now 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.

California’s radical left politicians place illegal immigrants above the interests of our citizens, including by providing them with access to financial assistance,” stated DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. “The Trump Administration is collaborating to uncover the misuse and exploitation of public resources and ensure that individuals residing in this country unlawfully do not receive federal aid or other financial incentives to remain here illegally.

Individuals residing in the country unlawfully are advised to depart immediately, as the leniency period has concluded. Although this subpoena pertains specifically to Los Angeles County, it marks the initial step in a broader initiative,” she remarked.

On April 15, 2025, President Donald Trump enacted the Memorandum on Preventing Illegal Aliens from Obtaining Social Security Act Benefits, aimed at discouraging illegal immigration and protecting taxpayer funds.

This 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 that prevent ineligible illegal immigrants from accessing Social Security benefits.

The statement from DHS emphasized the importance of civil and criminal enforcement against states or localities potentially infringing upon Title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA).

Johnson informed ABC7 that federal funding is involved, which is why the Trump administration aims to ascertain whether the funds are being utilized in accordance with Congressional intent. In reply, the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom (D) asserted 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.

Johnson raised the issue of whether there is substantial evidence indicating that the program has been misused or that undocumented immigrants are benefiting from it. He expressed skepticism about the existence of such evidence, although it appears that the Trump administration’s investigation was not initiated without cause and may be a response to information suggesting potential mismanagement of the program affecting some individuals residing in the country unlawfully.

Johnson stated regarding the subpoenaed records, “It is uncertain whether they may be utilized for immigration enforcement activities.” The DHS press release noted, “During the prior administration, over 2 million ineligible undocumented immigrants were issued a Social Security Number in the fiscal year 2024 alone.”