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President Donald Trump's administration launched a federal investigation into a California welfare program that supports elderly and disabled immigrants, intensifying the long-running clash between the federal government and sanctuary jurisdictions like Los Angeles County.
At the center of the investigation is the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants, a California initiative that provides monthly financial aid to legal immigrants who are ineligible for federal Supplemental Security Income due to their immigration status. Created in 1998, CAPI is fully state-funded and administered locally by county agencies, including L.A. County's Department of Public Social Services.
The Department of Homeland Security, under Secretary Kristi Noem, issued subpoenas to L.A. County, seeking records dating back to January 2021. Investigators from Homeland Security Investigations are examining whether undocumented immigrants have improperly received federal benefits through the program — a claim that California officials strongly reject.
“Radical left politicians in California prioritize illegal aliens over our own citizens, including by giving illegal aliens access to cash benefits,” said Secretary Noem. “The Trump administration is working together to identify abuse and exploitation of public benefits and make sure those in this country illegally are not receiving federal benefits or other financial incentives to stay illegally.”
Critics argue the probe is politically motivated and mischaracterizes the program. CAPI applicants must provide proof of lawful immigration status to qualify, and undocumented immigrants are explicitly barred from receiving benefits.
Legal analysts note that while the federal government has no authority over state-funded programs like CAPI, it may use the findings to justify cutting federal funds to noncompliant jurisdictions.
As tensions rise, immigrant advocates warn that the probe could jeopardize support systems for vulnerable communities and deepen mistrust in government services.
