The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched an investigation into California over claims that the state may have extended federal benefits to undocumented immigrants through a cash assistance program.
At the center of the investigation is the California Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI). This program is designed to help elderly, blind, and disabled immigrants who don’t qualify for federal benefits like Social Security. However, the DHS is now looking into whether some recipients were ineligible due to their immigration status.
According to ABC7, a federal subpoena has been issued to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services, which oversees the program. Officials are requesting documents dating back to January 2021 to determine if any undocumented immigrants may have improperly received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or other benefits.
UC Davis Law Professor Kevin R. Johnson explained that only legal immigrants are supposed to qualify for CAPI and must meet strict criteria. The investigation aims to confirm whether these rules were properly followed.
DHS is specifically asking for details such as:
Names and birth dates of applicants
Copies of applications and immigration status
Proof of ineligibility for SSI from the Social Security Administration
Supporting affidavits used in the application process
In a statement, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem criticized California’s leadership, saying, “California’s radical left politicians prioritize illegal immigrants over American citizens, even offering them financial support.” She emphasized that the Trump administration is working to stop misuse of public funds and prevent undocumented immigrants from receiving benefits that aren’t legally available to them.
Noem added that the grace period is over and urged those in the country illegally to leave. While the current subpoena focuses only on Los Angeles County, she said it’s just the beginning of broader enforcement efforts.
This investigation follows an executive move by President Donald Trump on April 15, 2025, when he signed a memorandum to block undocumented immigrants from accessing benefits under the Social Security Act. The goal is to ensure that only eligible individuals receive federal aid and to protect taxpayer dollars.
The directive instructs DHS, along with the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, the Social Security Administration, and the Justice Department, to take steps to close any loopholes and enforce eligibility rules.
DHS’s press release stressed the importance of both civil and criminal actions against states or agencies found to be violating federal law—specifically Title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA).
According to Professor Johnson, while there’s no public evidence yet that the program has been abused, it’s likely the Trump administration acted on specific information. He also noted that it’s still unclear whether the collected documents could later be used for immigration enforcement.
Interestingly, Governor Gavin Newsom’s office responded by saying the CAPI program is meant only for immigrants who have lawful status, legal protections, or are in the process of applying for them—such as victims of crime or trafficking.
The key question now is whether undocumented immigrants have actually received benefits—and if so, whether it was due to mismanagement or intentional fraud.