Overview

• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched an investigation into California's Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) to determine if undocumented immigrants improperly received federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
• ICE's Homeland Security Investigations in Los Angeles issued a Title 8 subpoena to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services for applicant records dating back to January 2021.
• California officials assert that CAPI is entirely state-funded and only serves legal immigrants, including refugees, asylees, and lawful permanent residents.
• The investigation follows an April 2025 presidential memorandum directing federal agencies to prevent unauthorized immigrants from receiving Social Security benefits and to enforce compliance with federal laws.
• Immigrant advocacy groups and state officials have criticized the probe, calling it an attempt to intimidate vulnerable communities and misrepresent the nature of the program.