The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is currently investigating California’s Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) amid allegations that the state prioritized illegal aliens over American citizens by providing welfare funds to those ineligible for Social Security benefits. DHS issued a subpoena to Los Angeles County’s Department of Public Social Services to obtain records and determine if illegal aliens received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments from January 2021 to the present. This investigation aligns with the Trump Administration’s April 15, 2025, executive order that prohibits illegal aliens from accessing Social Security benefits and directs federal agencies to enforce this restriction vigorously.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem criticized California’s policies, accusing the state’s leaders of putting illegal immigrants ahead of their own residents by granting cash benefits. She emphasized that the federal government, under Trump’s guidance, is committed to stopping the misuse of public funds and encouraging illegal aliens to leave the country, declaring, “The gravy train has ended.” The investigation, initially focused on Los Angeles County, is expected to expand across California. DHS officials also highlighted concerns that during the previous administration, over two million ineligible illegal aliens were issued Social Security Numbers in 2024, underscoring the ongoing strain on taxpayer-funded programs. The probe marks a broader effort to uphold the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) and prevent states from depleting Social Security resources through unauthorized benefit distribution.