Federal Subpoena Targets Newsom’s California Over Alleged Cash Payouts to Illegal Immigrants
The Biden-initiated entitlement machine in California may finally be hitting a wall under President Donald Trump’s administration, as federal officials launch a sweeping investigation into whether illegal immigrants have been unlawfully receiving taxpayer-funded benefits through a controversial state-run program.
At the center of the probe is the California Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI), a state welfare program that has now attracted the attention of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). A federal subpoena has been issued to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services, demanding records from January 2021 to the present. The investigation is focused on uncovering whether individuals who are ineligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to their immigration status have nonetheless accessed public funds.
According to ABC7, investigators are now combing through documentation to determine whether CAPI—a program designed for elderly, blind, or disabled non-citizens—has been improperly used to circumvent federal restrictions and extend financial benefits to those living in the country illegally.
“Only lawful immigrants can receive the benefits of the cash program,” explained UC Davis Law Professor Kevin R. Johnson, noting the program’s strict eligibility requirements.
Yet even with these guardrails, the Department of Homeland Security appears concerned that CAPI may have been exploited. In a statement, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles revealed that it is seeking records that include:
- Applicant names and dates of birth
- Application forms
- Immigration status
- Proof of ineligibility for SSI
- Affidavits submitted in support of benefit claims
As the investigation unfolds, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem placed the blame squarely on California’s far-left leadership.
“Radical left politicians in California prioritize illegal aliens over our own citizens, including by giving illegal aliens access to cash benefits,” said 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.”
“If you are an illegal immigrant, you should leave now. The gravy train is over. While this subpoena focuses only on Los Angeles County, it is just the beginning,” she added.
President Donald Trump has already taken decisive action. On April 15, 2025, the president signed the Memorandum on Preventing Illegal Aliens from Obtaining Social Security Act Benefits, an executive order designed to reinforce eligibility rules and protect taxpayer dollars.
The order directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretaries of Labor and Health and Human Services, the Social Security Administration Commissioner, and the Attorney General, to crack down on illegal access to benefits. The directive emphasizes that jurisdictions found violating Title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) may face both civil and criminal penalties.
“There is some federal money attached, and that is why the Trump administration is seeking to determine whether or not the money is being spent consistent with the wishes of Congress,” Johnson told ABC7.
Predictably, California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office attempted to spin the program as a lawful support system, stating it serves “individuals with lawful status, legal protections, or those applying for them, including victims of crime and trafficking.”
However, Johnson—while claiming there is “no real reason” to think the program has been misused—also admitted that the probe was likely initiated due to concrete evidence of potential abuse.
“We don’t know if it might be used for immigration enforcement operations,” he added, referencing the subpoenaed documents.
The DHS press release underlines the depth of the problem: “Under the previous administration, more than 2 million ineligible illegal aliens received a Social Security Number in fiscal year 2024 alone.”
With President Trump back in office, this type of unlawful exploitation of American generosity is being met with long-overdue accountability.