Oklahoma Bill Aims to Verify SNAP Eligibility and Notify ICE

Proposed legislation would require state DHS to check immigration status and alert federal authorities.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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A new bill introduced in the Oklahoma state legislature would require the Department of Human Services (DHS) to verify the immigration status of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applicants and notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through the federal SAVE database if any recipients are found to be undocumented.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation has drawn criticism from civil rights groups like the ACLU, who argue that it unfairly targets immigrant families and could discourage them from seeking vital food assistance, potentially harming children. The bill is part of a broader trend of states seeking to restrict access to public benefits for undocumented immigrants.

The details

Under the new bill, DHS would be required to check the immigration status of all SNAP applicants through the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program. If an applicant is found to be undocumented, DHS would then be mandated to notify ICE. Supporters of the bill say it is necessary to ensure SNAP benefits only go to eligible recipients, while opponents contend it is an attempt to intimidate immigrant communities.

  • The Oklahoma state legislature is currently considering the bill.

The players

Oklahoma ACLU

A civil rights organization that has criticized the proposed legislation as unfairly targeting immigrant families.

Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS)

The state agency that would be required to verify the immigration status of SNAP applicants and notify ICE under the new bill.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal immigration enforcement agency that would receive notification from DHS about undocumented SNAP recipients under the proposed law.

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What they’re saying

“We firmly believe that children should not be used as pawns to score political points.”

— Cindy Nguyen, Policy Director, Oklahoma ACLU (KTUL 8 Tulsa)

What’s next

The Oklahoma state legislature will continue to debate and consider the proposed bill in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This legislation is part of a broader effort by some states to restrict access to public benefits for undocumented immigrants, which critics argue unfairly targets vulnerable families and could have harmful consequences, especially for children.