Texas Rep. Calls for Crackdown on Welfare Fraud
Texas Republican Rep. Wesley Hunt has urged Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to take stronger measures against the misuse of federal food assistance programs by undocumented immigrants. He insists that “American taxpayers are being robbed in broad daylight.”
In a letter to Rollins, which was exclusively obtained prior to publication, Hunt acknowledged the Secretary of Agriculture’s work in revealing significant fraud within the SNAP program. However, he emphasized the need for further action to tackle what he views as “a colossal waste of taxpayer dollars.”
“It’s crucial that this information be made public and that we prioritize the American people,” the letter stated. “My constituents appreciate your office’s efforts to uncover substantial fraud in SNAP, reaffirming what we already knew: American taxpayers are being exploited by the current system.”
Hunt referred to research from the Center for Immigration Studies, indicating that nearly 60% of households led by undocumented immigrants depend on at least one major welfare program, with 48% utilizing SNAP, WIC, or the school lunch initiative.
He also pointed to recent coverage, noting that Texas food banks are bracing for increased demand as SNAP funding remains uncertain. This situation unfolds amid a significant government shutdown that has persisted for six weeks, resulting in the Department of Agriculture relying on emergency funds for food assistance payments.
The investigation into fraud is ongoing, and Rollins’ department is increasing its scrutiny while trying to recover losses for taxpayers. During a recent appearance on Fox News, which Hunt referenced in his correspondence, Rollins indicated that her team began auditing SNAP records from the outset of the Trump administration. She clarified that “undocumented individuals cannot utilize SNAP,” affirming a strict stance on the issue.
She noted that the increase in benefits, which rose nearly 40% in two years, occurred under the Biden administration. Rollins also mentioned an investigation into approximately $100 billion in spending that uncovered numerous unlawful uses of EBT cards. Close to 700,000 individuals were removed from SNAP, 118 arrests were made, and some deceased beneficiaries continued to receive payments.
Hunt’s letter stresses the importance of transparency and accountability while advocating for all states to submit their SNAP data and restore oversight of a system he believes has been abused for too long. As an Iraq War veteran now running for the U.S. Senate, he has positioned himself as a champion against welfare fraud, aligning his efforts with the broader goals of the Trump administration to safeguard taxpayer interests.
“President Trump is committed to uncovering waste and fraud in entitlements so that programs like SNAP are reserved for those who genuinely need them, not illegal immigrants,” Hunt wrote. He expressed appreciation for Rollins’ efforts but insisted on the necessity of ongoing actions to address what he sees as an extensive misuse of taxpayer resources.
Hunt also noted that 29 states have already provided SNAP data to the Department of Agriculture and expressed anticipation for further updates. “Americans deserve to know how their tax dollars are utilized,” he said. “Your office not only raises awareness about fraud in federal aid programs but also helps us maintain updated benefit records.”
In a statement accompanying the letter, Hunt sharply critiqued Democratic policies regarding welfare. He stated that “American taxpayers are being robbed in broad daylight, and Democrats are not only tolerating this but enabling it,” highlighting how nearly half of households led by illegal immigrants access SNAP or other welfare programs.
“The safety net was designed for Americans, not illegal immigrants,” he maintained, accusing Democrats of neglecting the needs of working Americans while using taxpayer money to support undocumented residents.
Hunt warned that failing to restrict welfare access for illegal immigrants would lead to further dependency, which he argues would benefit Democrats politically. He characterized this period as critical: “We either continue to fund our country’s decline or prioritize the American people.” He concluded with a firm stance: “I choose America.”
