Federal authorities have launched an investigation into whether California has been using federal funds to provide illegal immigrants with monthly cash assistance and other benefits, starting with a subpoena aimed at Los Angeles County.
Key Facts:
- DHS issued subpoenas to California for records related to payments under the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI).
- The subpoenas, filed by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations office in Los Angeles, cover applicants dating back to 2021.
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said this is the start of a broader crackdown on states giving financial support to illegal immigrants.
- A separate EPIC report claims California has received $19 billion in federal funds with no state contribution, some of which is used for illegal immigrant services.
- Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office has not responded to media inquiries regarding the investigation.
The Rest of The Story:
The Department of Homeland Security has issued subpoenas to California’s government over concerns about the state’s Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants, known as CAPI.
The investigation, led by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations unit in Los Angeles, seeks documentation that could prove whether federal funds were given to illegal immigrants.
Requested records include names, birth dates, immigration status, and full applications for CAPI since 2021.
According to CAPI’s website, the program is intended for aged, blind, or disabled non-citizens ineligible for federal Supplemental Security Income.
However, the Trump White House contends that illegal immigrants have been receiving these benefits.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated this is just the beginning, warning that illegal immigrants should “leave now” because “the gravy train is over.”
This move comes after a report from the Economic Policy Innovation Center accused California of rerouting nearly $19 billion in federal funds to provide illegal immigrants with healthcare and long-term care services, without any matching funds from the state.
EPIC alleges that California created a “money laundering scheme” by working with Medicaid insurers to draw inflated federal reimbursements.
The California Department of Healthcare Services called the EPIC report “misleading” and directed people to its website for clarification.
DHS is investigating the State of California’s Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) for providing federal benefits to illegal aliens.
HSI Los Angeles is subpoenaing records to determine if ineligible illegal aliens received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the…
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) May 12, 2025
Commentary:
California has long been a poster child for putting illegal immigrants ahead of its own taxpaying citizens.
While the average resident pays full price for healthcare, housing, and education, the state continues to give away those same services to people here illegally—often free of charge.
This is not only unfair, it’s unsustainable.
The EPIC report shows that California isn’t even using its own money—it’s gaming the federal system, collecting billions in reimbursements and using it to fund programs voters never approved.
This isn’t aid.
It’s abuse.
And the rest of the country is forced to pick up the tab.
If California wants to be a sanctuary state, then it should pay for it itself.
This kind of financial recklessness is why our national deficit continues to spiral.
It’s time for Washington to say enough is enough.
Californians who oppose these radical policies must start voting differently, but until then, the federal government has every right—and duty—to protect taxpayer money from misuse.
The Bottom Line:
California is under federal investigation for possibly misusing billions in federal funds to support illegal immigrants through programs like CAPI.
The DHS has launched subpoenas targeting Los Angeles County as the first step in what could become a broader crackdown.
An independent report further accuses the state of operating a financial scheme that burdens U.S. taxpayers.
Action is long overdue to hold California accountable for policies that violate the spirit—and likely the letter—of federal law.
Read Next
– New Study Shows GOP Controlled House and Senate Are Totally Worthless, Worst in 70 Years
– Deadly Pest Threat Forces U.S. to Halt Mexican Livestock Imports
– UK to Expel Migrants for Any Crime Under Explosive New Crackdown
– America’s Largest Power Grid Operator Warns Blackouts Could Hit Millions This Summer