California’s unlawful handouts to undocumented immigrants are being targeted by President Trump’s administration. In order to ascertain whether federal benefits intended for Americans have been unlawfully transferred to individuals in the nation, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has initiated a comprehensive investigation into California’s Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants and is requesting documents from Los Angeles County.
Trump Administration Targets California’s Illegal Immigrant Benefits
The Department of Homeland Security investigation, led by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations Los Angeles Field Office, is examining whether illegal aliens have improperly received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits intended only for eligible American citizens. This investigation follows President Trump’s April 15th memorandum directing federal agencies to prevent unauthorized immigrants from obtaining Social Security benefits and funds.
It's about time we started holding these sanctuary cities accountable for their acts of criminality when it comes to giving social security benefit's to illegal immigrants.
JUST IN: Kristi Noem Issues Stern Warning as Trump Admin. Launches Landmark Investigation into California…
— SammytheSquirrel (@samuelr28254292) May 12, 2025
Secretary Noem issued a Title 8 subpoena to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services demanding all records related to the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants since January 2021. The subpoena requires California officials to provide detailed information, including applicants’ names, dates of birth, immigration status documentation, and proof of SSI ineligibility.
“The Gravy Train Is Over” – Noem Issues Stern Warning
Secretary Noem delivered a clear message to illegal immigrants receiving benefits and the states enabling them. “If you are an illegal immigrant, you should leave now,” Noem declared in her official statement, adding that “the gravy train is over.”
JUST IN: Kristi Noem Issues Stern Warning as Trump Admin. Launches Landmark Investigation into California Providing Federal Benefits to Illegal Aliens
READ: https://t.co/KO157DRR4F pic.twitter.com/ptOE1sr3tV
— The Gateway Pundit (@gatewaypundit) May 12, 2025
The Trump administration’s action against California marks just the beginning of a broader crackdown on Democrat-run states that prioritize illegal immigrants over citizens. According to DHS reports, over 2 million ineligible illegal aliens received Social Security Numbers in fiscal year 2024 under the previous administration’s policies.
Protecting American Taxpayers and Benefits
The California investigation is part of President Trump’s broader agenda to enforce immigration laws and protect benefits meant for American citizens. Trump’s April memorandum specifically authorizes civil or criminal enforcement actions against states or localities that violate federal immigration laws.
“Radical left politicians in California prioritize illegal aliens over our own citizens, including by giving illegal aliens access to cash benefits,” Secretary Noem stated in the official DHS announcement. California Governor Gavin Newsom and state Democrats have long defended their immigrant-friendly policies despite clear federal restrictions on benefits for those without legal status.
The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) explicitly prohibits unauthorized immigrants from receiving most federal benefits. Secretary Noem has clarified that while this current subpoena focuses on Los Angeles County, similar actions against other jurisdictions may follow.
Federal investigators seek comprehensive records to determine the full extent of potential violations and identify individuals who may have improperly received benefits. American taxpayers have long expressed frustration with policies that direct limited resources to those who entered the country illegally instead of citizens and legal residents in need.
Sources:
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/05/just-kristi-noem-issues-stern-warning-as-trump/