U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins revealed that 29 states have complied with a federal request to share Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) data to verify that illegal immigrants are not receiving benefits, while 21 states refused, according to Rollins. The issue came to light after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) sent letters to all 50 governors in February, reminding them that federal law prohibits illegal immigrants from accessing SNAP and requesting state data for a nationwide review. Rollins emphasized that participation in the program surged by nearly 40% under the previous administration.
The data-sharing initiative uncovered “thousands” of cases of illegal SNAP use, including fraudulent activity involving Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. Rollins reported that approximately 700,000 people have been removed from the program since President Donald J. Trump returned to office, with over 118 arrests linked to ongoing fraud investigations. She also highlighted findings of more than 5,000 cases where individuals continued receiving benefits after their deaths. “It is time to drastically reform this program so that we can make sure that those who are truly needy, truly vulnerable, are getting what they need,” Rollins stated.
Rollins noted that two states have sued the USDA over the data-sharing request and reiterated that 21 “blue” states declined to provide information. The SNAP program, often referred to as food stamps, has become a focal point during the ongoing government shutdown. A federal judge recently mandated that benefits continue for the 42 million Americans relying on the program, though the Trump administration seeks legal clarification on funding mechanisms during the shutdown.
The USDA reported a decline in SNAP enrollment of over 600,000 people between January and May 2025, from approximately 42.38 million to 41.74 million, which the Trump administration cited as evidence of reduced food stamp dependence. The administration has also targeted noncitizens accessing taxpayer-funded aid, including blocking illegal immigrants from collecting Social Security benefits and suing states like Minnesota for offering tuition assistance to undocumented individuals. Recent efforts uncovered dozens of criminal noncitizens receiving Medicaid benefits.
