The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has launched a nationwide operation targeting undocumented immigrants accused of fraudulently obtaining taxpayer-funded food assistance benefits. The move is part of the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on alleged fraud involving federal programmes.

ICE announced the operation on X on October 21, saying it had arrested multiple immigrants over alleged fraud involving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The agency said the operation falls under the Trump administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, which aims to tackle the misuse of government-funded programmes.

“SNAP is designed to help struggling American families put food on the table, NOT fund illegal aliens scamming taxpayer-funded programs,” ICE said in its post.

ICE added that it would continue pursuing those accused of fraud. Individuals could face immigration enforcement, including arrest and deportation, where applicable.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the operation has led to multiple arrests. Fox News reported that several Haitian nationals and a Cuban national were among those apprehended. DHS said investigations into the alleged fraud would continue. However, the accusations do not establish guilt, which depends on the evidence and legal proceedings in each case.

SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, helps eligible low-income households buy groceries through benefits provided on electronic benefit transfer cards. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers the programme, while states process applications and distribute benefits.

Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for SNAP under federal rules. Certain lawfully present noncitizens may qualify if they meet immigration-status and other eligibility requirements.

The programme supports households facing food insecurity, while federal and state authorities investigate suspected misuse.

The ICE operation comes amid a wider Trump administration effort to investigate suspected fraud involving government assistance programmes.

On October 21, the Justice Department announced a nationwide enforcement effort targeting alleged fraud involving SNAP and other USDA programmes. It said actions against more than 40 defendants involved alleged or established schemes linked to nearly $45 million in intended losses to the federal government. Nearly $42 million of that amount involved SNAP.

The cases included allegations of stolen benefit-card information, fraudulent transactions and schemes involving exchange of benefits for cash or other prohibited items.

The Justice Department said federal prosecutors, the USDA and other law enforcement agencies participated in the enforcement effort.