ICE Arrests 2 Haitians in Ohio SNAP Fraud Probe

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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested two Haitian nationals in Ohio for allegedly collecting food stamps illegally, as part of a broader federal crackdown on welfare fraud. The arrests are part of a nationwide operation launched by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) last week, which has already led to the detention of five individuals, including four Haitians and one Cuban national.

Arrests and Backgrounds

Icles Cerome, 35, was arrested in Westerville, Ohio, after being caught attempting to collect SNAP benefits. He was released by Border Patrol in December 2023 after crossing illegally into Texas and was ordered deported in January 2024. He admitted to receiving food stamps in Ohio.

Clairinor Duclerc, 38, was arrested in Columbus after being found in possession of an active bench warrant. He entered the U.S. via the CBP One app in March 2024 and was ordered for removal in January 2025. He told agents he lives in Ohio with his Haitian wife and their U.S. citizen son.

Federal Crackdown and SNAP Fraud

The DHS operation, dubbed the ‘opening salvo,’ has identified over $42 million in SNAP fraud and nearly $45 million in total government losses. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin emphasized that illegal aliens should not be drawing benefits, stating, ‘These programs are for Americans only.’

According to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, approximately 41,900 noncitizens received SNAP benefits last year, many of whom are lawful permanent residents. Federal prosecutors have brought separate SNAP cases in Ohio, Illinois, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Arizona, including an Ohio indictment over an alleged $29.7 million scheme.

Broader Implications

The arrests highlight growing federal efforts to target welfare fraud, particularly among undocumented individuals. While some argue that lawful residents should have access to benefits, others, including Mullin, maintain that such programs should be reserved for U.S. citizens.

Source: Breitbart

Written by

Connor Davis