CA, US & World

Trump Administration Seeks State Data on Undocumented Immigrants

The Trump administration is seeking information from states about people who are in the United States illegally, warning that states could lose federal funding for certain assistance programs if they do not comply.

The Justice Department issued a revision this week to a longstanding legal opinion following a new opinion from the Office of Legal Counsel. The opinion states that states participating in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and the Supplemental Security Income program are required to report people who are in the U.S. illegally.

All states participate in the federal programs covered by the opinion.

Under the revised legal interpretation, states that do not provide the requested information could lose federal dollars connected to the programs.

It remains unclear how the new opinion will be put into action or how states will be expected to comply with the reporting requirement.

The policy is also likely to face legal challenges from critics who oppose the administration's approach to immigration enforcement and the use of federal funding to encourage state cooperation.

The administration's position comes as President Donald Trump continues to make immigration enforcement a central focus of his policies.

Undocumented immigrants are not eligible to receive food stamps or other federal benefits, according to the information provided by the administration.

The new legal opinion could create additional questions for states as they determine how to respond to the federal government's reporting requirements and potential consequences for funding.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.

By: NBC Palm Springs

September 3, 2026

Trump administrationundocumented immigrantsimmigrationfederal fundingJustice DepartmentOffice of Legal CounselTANFSupplemental Security IncomeSSIstate fundingfederal benefitsimmigration policyDonald TrumpUnited States
Link Copied To Clipboard!
Latest Instagram Posts
85

A wedding day they’ll never forget. 💍🌊 A couple in the Philippines refused to let monsoon flooding wash away their special day — exchanging vows while standing waist-deep in floodwaters. Talk about making a splash on your wedding day! #WeddingDay #Philippines #Flooding #Monsoon #Wedding #Love #NBCPalmSprings

42

Idyllwild’s Mayor Max III is turning four! Yes, you read that right — Idyllwild has a canine mayor, and Mayor Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller III is celebrating his fourth birthday this week. Max is part of a tradition that began in 2012, when the mountain community first elected a dog as mayor. His “campaign donations”? Belly rubs and dog treats. Mayor Max’s birthday celebration is happening Saturday, September 5, at Mountain Paws in Idyllwild, and the community is invited. Come celebrate the mayor — and maybe bring a treat. #NBCPalmSprings #Idyllwild #MayorMax #MayorMaxIII #PalmSprings CoachellaValley DogsOfInstagram DogMayor CaliforniaNews

13

☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry

96

More than 2,000 rescues — and the year isn’t over yet. Santa Clemente lifeguards are keeping a close eye on the Pacific as they prepare for potentially stronger surf and bigger waves this winter. From Tower Zero, lifeguards monitor the entire beach and use cameras to spot trouble in the water. One of their biggest concerns? Rip currents, which can pull swimmers far from shore. With more rescues already this year than all of last year, lifeguards say the key is simple: be ready before someone needs help. #SanClemente #Lifeguards #OceanSafety #RipCurrents #BeachSafety SurfSafety SouthernCalifornia PacificOcean NBCPalmSprings

303

The Salton Sea is at a crossroads. From a massive restoration project bringing habitat back to the shoreline, to a potential lithium boom, and the new Salton Sea Conservancy, its future is being shaped right now. We’re taking you behind the scenes to explore what comes next for the Salton Sea. In our newest 30-minute report, go behind-the-scenes with the state’s conservation team, learn about updated timlines from lithium executives, and hear how former political leaders paved the way. Restoring the Salton Sea: Progress, Promise and Pressure. Streaming this Sunday on NBC Palm Springs. #saltonsea #lithiumvalley #saltonseaconservancy #marybono

311

A few PSUSD students will get a unique opportunity to learn more about careers in Aviation at the Palm Springs Air Museum with the districts launch of their Aviation and Aeronautics Career Exploration Program. Be sure to stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs to learn all about this. #palmspringsairmuseum #palmsprings #aviationeducation #psusd #backtoschool

217

Escape to the mountains without spending a fortune. Looking for a unique getaway? Hicksville Pines Bud & Breakfast in Idyllwild offers themed rooms, retro arcade games, outdoor activities, arts and crafts, nightly camp movies and plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the mountain air. And there’s a special deal for NBC Palm Springs viewers: 15% off your stay 20% off additional nights when available Use code NBCPalmSprings at checkout The adults-only property also offers a relaxed 420-friendly atmosphere and complimentary breakfast, including a memorable cannabis-leaf-shaped waffle. Would you stay here for a mountain getaway? #NBCPalmSprings #Idyllwild #HicksvillePines #MountainGetaway #CaliforniaGetaway WeekendGetaway CoachellaValley TravelCalifornia

31

☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What’s your go-to breakfast?

93

A new Sand Cat kitten is receiving its first in-hospital wellness exam. Our Maria Noble Valdez was able to go into the hospital and get a unique behind-the-scenes look at why this is so important. Be sure to tune in at 5 and 6 pm tonight or visit nbcpalmsprings.com to learn more. #thelivingdesert #wildlifeconservation #sandcat #coachellavalley #palmdesert

43

Social Time with Thalia and Jerry. Does Sept. 1st make you think of fall, or not quite yet?