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Trump administration launches investigation into CA’s cash assistance program for certain immigrants
A Department of Homeland Security Police office during a news conference in downtown Los Angeles on Feb. 20, 2025.
(
Patrick T. Fallon
/
AFP
)
Topline:
The Trump Administration has launched an investigation into California’s Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants.
Details on the program: The program, also known as CAPI, pays monthly cash benefits to people who aren’t eligible for Social Security benefits solely because of their immigration status. The program is completely state funded, according to the California Department of Social Services, and is designed for older adults, people with disabilities and those who are blind.
Why now: The Department of Homeland Security announced the investigation Monday.
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The backstory: The department is looking into whether federal money was used to provide benefits to people without immigration status from January 2021 until now.
About the investigation: Federal investigators have started subpoenaing all records from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Services, which administers the program, including applications and immigration status.
What federal officials say: “While this subpoena focuses only on Los Angeles County — it is just the beginning,” Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement.
L.A. County officials respond: L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said in a statement that she'll follow the outcome of the investigation closely. "It’s critical that every program distributing taxpayer dollars operates with integrity and transparency," she said. "Accountability and public trust must be maintained.”
L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis said in a statement to LAist that the Trump administration is unjustly targeting the county for a program that doesn't use federal funding. "Los Angeles County is being singled out not for misconduct, but for fulfilling its role as a safety net for all residents," she said. "This subpoena by Homeland Security is designed to incite fear and mistrust within our communities."
Read on… for the latest developments on President Trump’s second term.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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