The Department of Homeland Security has launched a nationwide operation targeting illegal immigrants accused of fraudulently collecting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, resulting in a wave of arrests across the country, Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin framed the effort as a defense of taxpayer-funded programs meant exclusively for American citizens.
“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,” Mullin said. “These programs are for Americans only. Even non-violent illegal alien crime can still have devastating consequences when they’re defrauding the American taxpayer.”
Mullin said the arrests made so far are “just a drop in the bucket,” signaling that the administration intends to keep pursuing people accused of exploiting the program.
Who Has Been Arrested
DHS named several individuals taken into custody as part of the operation, including multiple Haitian nationals. Rubstony Junior Theodore, a Haitian national living in the U.S. illegally, was arrested by ICE; officials said his criminal history includes larceny, obstruction of officers and trespassing.
Three other Haitian nationals — Wilbert Jean Baptiste, Louis Jean and Jhensly Charles — were also arrested as part of the sweep, according to DHS.
Elizabeth Povea Rodriguez, a Cuban national living in the country illegally, was arrested as well. DHS said she had a prior conviction for disorderly conduct and had faced allegations of battery and domestic violence.
A Broader Campaign
DHS described the arrests as the beginning of a sustained, large-scale effort. “Every one of these individuals entered the country unlawfully, then proceeded to draw from a program designed to feed struggling American families, in some cases while carrying criminal records,” the agency said.
Under federal law, immigrants living in the country illegally are generally barred from receiving SNAP benefits, though certain categories of lawfully present noncitizens remain eligible. DHS said the crackdown will continue as part of the administration’s wider push against misuse of federal benefit programs.
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