The Department of Homeland Security has launched a nationwide operation targeting illegal aliens accused of fraudulently obtaining Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed [1] the operation to Fox News and announced multiple arrests.
The federal enforcement push focuses on individuals accused of improperly receiving SNAP assistance despite living illegally in the United States. DHS said the operation is part of the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on misuse of federal benefits.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin delivered a blunt assessment of the allegations and who should receive taxpayer-funded assistance.
“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 in a statement.
“These programs are for Americans only,” he continued. “Even non-violent illegal alien crime can still have devastating consequences when they’re defrauding the American taxpayer.”
Mullin said individuals already apprehended and deported by federal authorities represented “just a drop in the bucket.” He added that the Trump administration would continue pursuing people accused of fraud.
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.
Even non-violent illegal alien crime can have devastating consequences when they’re defrauding the American taxpayer. We’re going after these thieves and bringing them to justice.
— Secretary Markwayne Mullin (@SecMullinDHS) October 21, 2026 [2]
DHS identified several illegal aliens accused of SNAP fraud, including multiple Haitian nationals. Federal officials said the arrests marked the beginning of a sustained enforcement effort specifically focused on alleged abuse of the food assistance program.
“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.
Among those arrested was Rubstony Junior Theodore, a Haitian national living illegally in the United States, according to federal officials. DHS said ICE arrested Theodore as part of the nationwide operation.
Theodore’s criminal history includes arrests for larceny, obstruction of officers and trespassing, DHS said. The agency did not provide additional details about the alleged SNAP fraud involving Theodore.
Three other Haitian nationals living illegally in the United States were also arrested, according to DHS. The agency identified them as Wilbert Jean Baptiste, Louis Jean and Jhensly Charles.
Federal officials also announced the arrest of Elizabeth Povea Rodriguez, a Cuban national living illegally in the United States. DHS said Rodriguez previously was convicted of disorderly conduct and arrested on battery and domestic violence allegations.
The announced arrests place immigration enforcement and federal benefits fraud under the same nationwide operation. DHS said the administration intends to keep targeting alleged SNAP fraud as part of its wider effort against misuse of government assistance.
Federal law generally bars immigrants living illegally in the country from receiving SNAP benefits. Certain categories of lawfully present noncitizens, however, may qualify for assistance under the program.
The DHS operation comes amid broader federal enforcement against fraud involving taxpayer-funded programs. In the months since the National Fraud Enforcement Division was established, the Department of Justice has launched more than 1,000 major fraud enforcement actions across the country.
Those coordinated efforts target schemes involving Medicaid, SNAP, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Social Security, and Small Business Administration programs. The programs are intended to assist vulnerable groups, including elderly, sick, and homeless people.
For DHS, the latest arrests are only the starting point. The agency described the ICE operation as sustained and nationwide, while Mullin made clear that federal officials view the initial apprehensions as only a small portion of the suspected abuse they intend to pursue.