WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security has launched a nationwide ICE operation targeting non-citizens accused of fraudulently collecting federal food-stamp benefits, with the agency announcing five arrests in what it is calling the first wave of a much larger crackdown.

DHS said the initial arrests involved four Haitian nationals and one Cuban national, some of whom had prior arrests or convictions unrelated to the benefits allegations, according to a department press release reported by Newsroom America.

"Just a Drop in the Bucket"

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin framed the five arrests as only the opening move of a far larger effort, calling them "just a drop in the bucket" as the agency scales up what it describes as a sustained, nationwide anti-fraud campaign.

"JUST A DROP IN THE BUCKET."

Federal law generally bars immigrants living in the country illegally from receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, though certain categories of lawfully present non-citizens can qualify under specific rules. DHS has not yet released the full evidentiary basis for the individual fraud allegations against the five people arrested, meaning the strength of each case will ultimately be tested in court.

The crackdown lands amid a broader national conversation about SNAP fraud generally. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has previously estimated that trafficking — the illegal sale of benefits for cash — accounts for roughly 1.6% of total SNAP spending, or about $1.27 billion a year, though that figure covers all trafficking, not fraud tied specifically to immigration status. Separately, organized electronic theft through skimmed or cloned EBT cards has surged in recent years, with losses reported in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually, according to reporting that cites those USDA figures.

Immigrant-rights groups have not yet responded in detail to Wednesday's announcement. DHS officials said additional arrests are expected as the operation expands to more states in the coming weeks, though the agency did not provide a specific timeline or target number.