President Trump’s DHS just dropped the hammer on California — launching a full-scale investigation into whether the state has been illegally funneling federal benefits to illegal immigrants. And according to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, this is just the beginning.

Feds Crack Down on California’s Immigrant Welfare Program

California is under federal investigation for its Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) after claims surfaced that illegal immigrants have been receiving Social Security-style benefits they’re not legally entitled to.

DHS agents, through ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations office in Los Angeles, issued a Title 8 subpoena demanding records from L.A. County’s Department of Public Social Services. Investigators want names, birthdates, immigration status, application materials, and proof of SSI ineligibility dating back to January 2021.

Today,. @ChrisMurphyCT put Kristy Noem on notice. She willfully and flagrantly violates the laws of the United States. Her obsession with the Southern border leaves the country vulnerable to attacks from other countries.#DemsUnited #DemVoice1 pic.twitter.com/yTRQy6Bt1l

— Rod (Izzy) (@1zzyzyx1) May 8, 2025

This probe is a major shift in federal enforcement under Secretary Kristi Noem, who wasted no time executing President Trump’s April 15 directive banning benefits for illegal aliens. DHS believes millions of dollars may have been illegally spent, all while American citizens struggle to get by.

Noem: “The Gravy Train Is Over”

Kristi Noem didn’t hold back.

“The gravy train is over,” she said in a fiery press release aimed directly at California’s sanctuary-state policies. “California has been putting illegal immigrants ahead of American citizens, and we’re going to put a stop to it.”

JUST IN: Kristi Noem Issues Stern Warning as Trump Admin. Launches Landmark Investigation into California Providing Federal Benefits to Illegal Aliens

READ: https://t.co/KO157DRR4F pic.twitter.com/ptOE1sr3tV

— The Gateway Pundit (@gatewaypundit) May 12, 2025

Noem made it crystal clear: this investigation is not a one-off. It’s a warning shot — to every Democrat-run state that ignores federal law. While Los Angeles County is the focus now, more subpoenas and investigations are expected.

According to DHS stats, over 2 million ineligible aliens were granted Social Security Numbers in FY2024 alone under the Biden administration — a figure now being used to justify sweeping enforcement actions.

Legal Grounds and What’s Next

President Trump’s new executive memorandum orders full enforcement of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) — a law that prohibits federal benefits for most non-citizens. It also authorizes both civil and criminal penalties for state and local governments that defy federal immigration rules.

Overlooked moment: Sen Kennedy drilled down to the truth on the Biden admin open borders plan in today’s hearing with Sec Noem:

Kennedy: Do you think that President Biden and Democrats thought of these foreign nationals in our country illegally as potential new voters?

Noem:… pic.twitter.com/lgIU8tf95Q

— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) May 8, 2025

While California leaders have defended their program as a form of state-level assistance, Noem’s DHS argues they crossed a red line by tapping into federal systems. The current probe could lead to major lawsuits, defunding efforts, or even criminal charges if fraud is uncovered.

Democrat-run states like New York and Illinois — both of which have expansive aid programs for illegal immigrants — could be next on the list.

As the Trump administration regains control over immigration policy, California may soon learn that there’s a steep price for putting illegals ahead of American citizens.

Sources:

Department of Homeland Security Investigates State of California for Providing Federal Benefits to Illegal Aliens

JUST IN: Kristi Noem Issues Stern Warning as Trump Admin. Launches Landmark Investigation into California Providing Federal Benefits to Illegal Aliens | The Gateway Pundit