21 Dem-led states refuse to reveal how many illegal immigrants are on SNAP: USDA Sec

Rollins discussed the matter during an appearance on Fox & Friends on Sunday. She said the USDA sent letters to all 50 governors in February, reminding them that federal law prohibits illegal immigrants from receiving SNAP benefits and asking states to provide data for a federal review.

“We increased almost 40 percent on this program in just a couple of years under the Biden administration,” Rollins said, referring to SNAP enrollment.

Rollins said that 29 states complied with the data request, which resulted in the department uncovering “thousands” of instances of illegal SNAP use, including fraudulent EBT card activity. She added that nearly 700,000 individuals have been removed from the program since Trump took office, and about 118 arrests have been made in connection with fraud investigations.

“What this country has allowed is a national spotlight on a broken and corrupt program,” Rollins said. She added that investigators have also found more than 5,000 cases of individuals still receiving benefits after death.

“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,” she added.

In a post on X, Rollins reiterated her comments, further explaining that 21 blue states had refused to cooperate, two of which sued the USDA for requesting this data.

SNAP has been in the national spotlight amid the ongoing government shutdown, as reports suggested the program would face a temporary halt in benefits. A federal judge has since ruled that SNAP payments must continue for the 42 million Americans who rely on them, while the Trump administration has asked the court to clarify how those benefits can legally be funded during the shutdown.