Department of Justice announces over 1,000 major fraud enforcement actions
Since the National Fraud Enforcement Division was created, the Department of Justice says it has pursued more than 1,000 significant fraud cases nationwide. The coordinated investigations are intended to safeguard taxpayer-funded programs, including Medicaid, SNAP, HUD assistance, Social Security and Small Business Administration benefits, which serve vulnerable Americans such as older adults, people who are ill and those experiencing homelessness.
The Department of Homeland Security has begun a nationwide enforcement effort focused on undocumented immigrants accused of fraudulently accessing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, commonly known as SNAP. The operation has already led to several arrests, Fox News reported.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed the operation, saying agents had arrested multiple undocumented immigrants suspected of improperly receiving SNAP assistance.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin argued that people who entered the country unlawfully should not be receiving SNAP or other taxpayer-funded benefits.
“These programs are for Americans only,” Mullin said, adding that even nonviolent offenses involving alleged benefit fraud can impose serious costs on taxpayers.
The Department of Homeland Security announced a nationwide operation targeting undocumented immigrants accused of fraudulently obtaining Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. (U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
Mullin described the people already arrested and deported as only “a drop in the bucket.” He said the Trump administration plans to continue investigating and pursuing those suspected of defrauding federal assistance programs.
DHS said the investigation has identified several undocumented immigrants accused of SNAP fraud, including a number of Haitian nationals.
Federal officials said ICE arrested Rubstony Junior Theodore, a Haitian national who was living in the United States unlawfully. DHS said Theodore’s previous arrest record includes allegations involving larceny, obstruction of officers and trespassing.
FIND OUT MORE: Minnesota Farmer Finds Massive Metallic “Space Object” in Cornfield
DHS also reported the arrests of three other Haitian nationals who were allegedly living in the country illegally: Wilbert Jean Baptiste, Louis Jean and Jhensly Charles.
Federal officials said Elizabeth Povea Rodriguez, a Cuban national who was living in the United States unlawfully, was arrested during a nationwide ICE operation investigating alleged SNAP fraud. (U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
Elizabeth Povea Rodriguez was also taken into custody, according to DHS. The agency said she had previously been convicted of disorderly conduct and had faced arrests connected to battery and domestic violence allegations.
DHS characterized the arrests as the first phase of what it called a long-term, nationwide ICE campaign aimed at undocumented immigrants accused of improperly obtaining SNAP benefits funded by American taxpayers.
The agency alleged that those arrested entered the country unlawfully before accessing a program intended to help struggling American families. DHS also said some of the suspects had prior criminal records.
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 prevents people living in the United States unlawfully from receiving SNAP benefits. However, some noncitizens who are lawfully present may qualify under specific eligibility rules.
DHS said the Trump administration will continue investigating alleged SNAP fraud as part of a wider effort to crack down on the misuse of federally funded benefit programs.