Department of Justice announces over 1,000 major fraud enforcement actions
Since the National Fraud Enforcement Division was established, the Department of Justice has initiated more than 1,000 major fraud enforcement actions nationwide. The coordinated campaign is focused on protecting taxpayer funds from schemes involving Medicaid, SNAP, HUD, Social Security and Small Business Administration programs—federal assistance intended to support vulnerable people, including seniors, the sick and those experiencing homelessness.
The Department of Homeland Security has launched a nationwide operation aimed at illegal immigrants accused of fraudulently obtaining benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. The investigation has led to multiple arrests, Fox News has learned.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed the operation to Fox News, saying agents had arrested several illegal immigrants accused of improperly receiving SNAP benefits.
“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 in a statement.
“These programs are for Americans only,” he added. “Even non-violent illegal alien crime can still have devastating consequences when they’re defrauding the American taxpayer.”
The Department of Homeland Security announced a nationwide operation targeting illegal immigrants accused of fraudulently obtaining Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. (U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
Mullin said the people already apprehended and deported by federal authorities represented “just a drop in the bucket.” He added that the Trump administration would continue pursuing individuals accused of defrauding federal benefit programs.
DHS named several illegal immigrants accused of SNAP fraud, including multiple Haitian nationals.
Federal officials said ICE arrested Rubstony Junior Theodore, a Haitian national living illegally in the United States, as part of the operation. DHS said Theodore’s criminal history includes arrests for larceny, obstruction of officers and trespassing.
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DHS also reported the arrests of three other Haitian nationals living illegally in the United States: Wilbert Jean Baptiste, Louis Jean and Jhensly Charles.
Elizabeth Povea Rodriguez, a Cuban national living illegally in the United States, was arrested during a nationwide ICE operation targeting alleged SNAP fraud, according to federal officials. (U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
Elizabeth Povea Rodriguez, a Cuban national living illegally in the United States, was also taken into custody, according to DHS. The agency said she had previously been convicted of disorderly conduct and arrested in connection with battery and domestic violence allegations.
“These arrests mark the opening salvo in a sustained, large-scale ICE operation specifically targeting illegal aliens who have fraudulently accessed SNAP benefits that American taxpayers fund exclusively for U.S. citizens in need,” DHS said.
“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 continued.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents walk down a street during a multi-agency targeted enforcement operation in Chicago, Ill., on Jan. 26. (Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Federal law generally prohibits immigrants living in the United States illegally from receiving SNAP benefits. However, certain categories of noncitizens who are lawfully present may qualify for the program.
DHS said the Trump administration plans to continue investigating alleged SNAP fraud as part of a broader effort to crack down on the misuse of federal benefits.
