The Department of Homeland Security has launched a nationwide operation targeting illegal immigrants accused of defrauding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed to Fox News that multiple arrests have been made.
What ICE confirms so far
ICE told Fox News that several illegal immigrants accused of fraudulently receiving SNAP benefits were arrested. According to details Fox News attributed to DHS and federal officials, those arrested include multiple Haitian nationals and one Cuban national:
- Rubstony Junior Theodore, a Haitian national living illegally in the U.S., was arrested. DHS said his prior arrests include larceny, obstruction of officers, and trespassing.
- Three other Haitian nationals living illegally in the U.S. — Wilbert Jean Baptiste, Louis Jean, and Jhensly Charles — were also arrested, according to DHS.
- Elizabeth Povea Rodriguez, a Cuban national living illegally in the U.S., was arrested during the operation, federal officials told Fox News.
What DHS is saying
“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 quoted by Fox News. “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.”
Fox News also reported that Mullin said those already apprehended and deported were “just a drop in the bucket,” and that the Trump administration would continue pursuing individuals accused of fraud.
What’s not specified in the report
The Fox News report did not specify the total number of arrests, locations, dates of the arrests, or the exact charges. All individuals named are described as accused; no convictions were reported in the excerpt provided.
