DHS Launches Nationwide ICE Operation Aimed at Illegal Immigrants Accused of Defrauding SNAP
Five arrests are named in the first wave, including four Haitian nationals. DHS calls it the 'opening salvo' of a sustained operation. Secretary Markwayne Mullin says the benefits are for Americans only.
The Department of Homeland Security has started a nationwide push to arrest illegal immigrants it says took SNAP benefits fraudulently.
Fox News first reported the operation, and ICE confirmed it. DHS calls the first arrests "the opening salvo in a sustained, large-scale ICE operation."
The statement. "Illegal aliens who have no right to be here in the first place are the last people who should be using SNAP benefits and other forms of welfare," Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said. "These programs are for Americans only." He called the people already arrested and deported "just a drop in the bucket."
The arrests. DHS named five people. Four are Haitian nationals: Rubstony Junior Theodore, Wilbert Jean Baptiste, Louis Jean and Jhensly Charles. DHS says Theodore's record includes arrests for larceny, obstruction of officers and trespassing. The fifth is Elizabeth Povea Rodriguez, a Cuban national, who DHS says was convicted of disorderly conduct and arrested on battery and domestic violence allegations. DHS says every one entered unlawfully and, in some cases, has a criminal record.
The law. Fox notes that federal law generally bars people living in the country illegally from SNAP, though some lawfully present noncitizens can qualify.
What we do not know. The report does not say how many people were arrested overall, which states are involved, how much money is at issue, or what the individuals are charged with specifically in connection with SNAP. We have only DHS's account. It names no attorneys or responses from those arrested.
Context. This follows the administration's wider fraud push. We cover Vice President Vance's task force charges in a separate story.