DHS launches nationwide ICE operation against alleged SNAP benefits fraud and announces five arrests

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a nationwide operation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targeting people living unlawfully in the country who are accused of fraudulently obtaining benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps.

DHS identified five people arrested as part of the operation: four Haitian nationals —Rubstony Junior Theodore, Wilbert Jean Baptiste, Louis Jean and Jhensly Charles— and one Cuban national, Elizabeth Povea Rodriguez. The announcement was first reported by Fox News on Monday night, and DHS confirmed it Wednesday.

"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 in its statement. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said "these programs are for Americans only" and warned the announced arrests are just the beginning of the campaign.

According to DHS, Theodore had prior arrests for larceny, obstruction of officers and trespassing, while Povea Rodriguez had a prior disorderly conduct conviction and arrests for battery and domestic violence. The arrests are law-enforcement actions and do not constitute convictions for benefit fraud.

Federal law bars immigrants living unlawfully in the country from receiving SNAP benefits, although some categories of lawfully present noncitizens may qualify for the program. DHS said the operation will continue with more arrests as part of a broader effort against alleged misuse of public assistance.

Photo: TalkRed

Source: DC Times Online