GOP congressman calls for Newsom to count illegal migrants getting state health benefits

Fox News senior national correspondent William La Jeunesse reports on the the Department of Homeland Security halting flights of prosecuted migrants to California due to sanctuary city policies.

Texas Rep. Wesley Hunt blasted California Gov. Gavin Newsom for providing health benefits to millions of illegal migrants through the state's Medi-Cal program, and called on Newsom to conduct a full audit of the state's Medicaid expansion.

In a scathing letter obtained by Fox News Digital, Hunt called on Newsom to fully audit California's Medi-Cal enrollment, publicly release the findings of ineligible individuals receiving benefits, and revoke waivers that allow the state to provide Medi-Cal to illegal migrants. 

"Given the posture of Democrats in Congress and California Governor Gavin Newsom's public opposition to ICE operations, it's only logical to demand transparency on how many illegal immigrants in California are receiving benefits meant solely for American citizens," Hunt wrote.

Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, leaves a meeting of the House Republican Conference at the Capitol Hill Club on Jan. 22, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call)

GAVIN NEWSOM IS MAKING A STRATEGIC VISIT TO A KEY PRIMARY STATE, RAISING EYEBROWS

According to the Wall Street Journal, the Census Bureau estimates that one in five immigrants in California are illegal aliens.

Sources at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) say that the state of California is obligated to report Medi-Cal data to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Newsom cut back on funding for illegal migrant healthcare in the state's budget he signed late last month, freezing California taxpayer-funded Medi-Cal for new illegal immigrant applicants starting January 2026.