Orange County, Calif. (July 29, 2025) — The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) continues to monitor changes to how the federal government obtains our clients’ data.
Per reports from CalMatters, NPR, KTLA and the LA Times, the state of California has sued to challenge the transfer of data of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. SNAP — known as CalFresh in California — helps low-income families put food on their tables.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has demanded data be turned over by July 30, to include:
- Social Security Numbers
- Dates of Birth
- Addresses
- Immigration statuses
- Purchase histories
While various outlets have reported that this unprecedent ask is another part of the federal government’s immigration enforcement efforts, regulations prohibit undocumented immigrants from receiving CalFresh. Families with mixed immigration statuses, however, may receive benefits, e.g., an undocumented mother may apply for CalFresh on behalf of her child, who is an American citizen.
As with Medi-Cal, our agency only uses client personal information to determine eligibility for CalFresh, and that information is stored in a state-run database. Again, the County of Orange was not involved in the decision to transfer any client data and we caution clients that disenrolling from benefits will not retroactively remove their personal information from the state-run database.
We acknowledge that this new development could further discourage Orange County residents from applying for and using the benefits they are legally entitled to, which will not just affect our clients. Research shows that CalFresh/SNAP to be one of the most powerful anti-hunger programs, particularly benefiting young children, while injecting $1.54 into the economy for every $1 spent on benefits.
SSA remains committed to serving the most vulnerable in our community, creating a stronger Orange County through supports and services that develop self-sufficiency for our clients.
Potential Consequences for Undocumented Individuals if ICE Gains Access to CalFresh Data
- Risk of Deportation
ICE could use the data to identify undocumented individuals in households that receive CalFresh benefits, even if those individuals aren’t the ones receiving the aid. This could lead to arrests or deportation actions. - Fear and Withdrawal from Benefits
Families may stop applying for or using CalFresh out of fear, even if their children (who are U.S. citizens) are eligible. This could increase food insecurity and hardship. - Impact on Children
Many CalFresh recipients are children in mixed-status families. If their parents withdraw from the program, these children could lose access to essential nutrition. - Legal Pushback
California and other states are suing to stop the data transfer. They argue it violates privacy laws and misuses information meant only for benefit eligibility. - Loss of Trust in Public Services
Immigrant communities may lose trust in government programs, leading to lower participation in health, education, and safety-net services.