ICE launches nationwide operation targeting immigrants over SNAP fraud
Key Points(5)
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has launched a nationwide operation targeting immigrants it accuses of fraudulently collecting benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), announcing the arrests of four Haitian nationals as part of its initial enforcement actions.
- ICE identified the four men as Rubstony Junior Theodore, Wilbert Jean Baptiste, Louis Jean and Jhensly Charles.
- The agency did not provide details of the alleged fraud involving each individual.
- The operation targets immigrants whom ICE alleges unlawfully accessed the taxpayer-funded food assistance program, which provides benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families in the United States.
- Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the administration would pursue those accused of defrauding government assistance programs.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has launched a nationwide operation targeting immigrants it accuses of fraudulently collecting benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), announcing the arrests of four Haitian nationals as part of its initial enforcement actions.
ICE identified the four men as Rubstony Junior Theodore, Wilbert Jean Baptiste, Louis Jean and Jhensly Charles. The agency did not provide details of the alleged fraud involving each individual.
The operation targets immigrants whom ICE alleges unlawfully accessed the taxpayer-funded food assistance program, which provides benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families in the United States.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the administration would pursue those accused of defrauding government assistance programs.
“Even non-violent illegal alien crime can still have devastating consequences when they’re defrauding the American taxpayer,” Mullin said in a statement.
ICE said the four arrests represented the first wave of a broader nationwide operation. The agency also alleged that all four men had entered the United States unlawfully.
The agency cited prior arrests involving Theodore for larceny, obstruction of officers and trespassing. It did not provide further details about the other three men’s criminal histories.
The announcement did not specify the amount of SNAP benefits allegedly obtained through fraud, when the alleged offenses occurred or whether the men had been charged with benefits fraud.
SNAP is a federal food assistance program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and operated in partnership with state agencies. Eligibility is governed by federal law, and certain noncitizens may qualify for benefits depending on their immigration status and other requirements.
ICE said it would continue pursuing arrests as part of the nationwide operation.
