DHS Begins Nationwide ICE Sweep Over Alleged SNAP Fraud

WHO:

NY Post - Mercedes New, an Instagram influencer, rapper and apparent adult content creator in Atlanta, goes by the name Shawty Dred.

NY Post - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are involved in the operation.

NY Post - The operation targets illegal immigrants accused of fraudulently obtaining benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Fox News US - DHS launched the ICE operation targeting illegal immigrants accused of fraudulently obtaining SNAP benefits.

WHAT:

NY Post - A fraud task force uncovered $42 million in food stamp thefts; Mercedes New was indicted amid the crackdown.

NY Post - DHS launched a nationwide operation targeting alleged SNAP benefit fraud; the operation has resulted in multiple arrests.

Fox News US - DHS launched a nationwide ICE operation that arrested illegal immigrants accused of fraudulently obtaining SNAP benefits.

WHERE:

NY Post - The operation is nationwide in scope.

Fox News US - The ICE operation is nationwide.

WHY:

NY Post - The operation targets people accused of fraudulently obtaining SNAP benefits.

Fox News US - The operation targets people accused of fraudulently obtaining SNAP benefits.

(UPDATED October 21, 2026 18:13 UTC)

The Department of Homeland Security has launched a nationwide Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation targeting people accused of fraudulently obtaining food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Authorities say the crackdown has resulted in multiple arrests. A fraud task force uncovered $42 million in alleged food stamp thefts, and Atlanta-based influencer and rapper Mercedes New has been indicted. New, who also appears to create adult content, is known online as Shawty Dred. The operation is focused on alleged benefit fraud by people described by authorities as illegal immigrants. DHS and ICE are involved in the enforcement effort, which extends across the country. The allegations are part of a broader investigation into the theft of public food assistance funds. An indictment is an accusation, and the charges against New have not been proven in court.

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(UPDATED October 21, 2026 09:05 UTC)

The Department of Homeland Security has launched a nationwide ICE operation targeting immigrants accused of fraudulently obtaining SNAP benefits. The operation has resulted in multiple arrests. Officials say the effort is focused on alleged benefit fraud.