5 Democratic-run states are told that their child care funds have been frozen

"The letters, from the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), ask the states to provide data on all recipients of federal funding, including names, Social Security numbers and birth dates - in addition to other detailed information dating back years. The money is suspended until the review is complete, the letters say."

"The letters say that "the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is concerned by the potential for" extensive and systemic fraud. "These concerns have been heightened by recent federal prosecutions and additional allegations that substantial portions of federal resources were fraudulently diverted away from the American families they were intended to assist," reads the letter to Illinois. "Additionally, ACF has reason to believe that the State of Illinois is illicitly providing illegal aliens with CCDF benefits intended for American citizens and lawful permanent residents.""

"Where it stands: The letters, viewed by Axios, went to California, Colorado, Minnesota, Illinois and New York - suspending about $10 billion in funds for three programs: TANF, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, cash assistance that is the modern-day successor to welfare. Child Care Development Fund money that subsidizes child care programs in these states. SSBG, Social Services Block Grants, which fund child welfare services, like foster care."

Funds totaling $10 billion were suspended for TANF, Child Care Development Fund, and Social Services Block Grants in California, Colorado, Minnesota, Illinois and New York. The Administration for Children and Families requested detailed recipient data, including names, Social Security numbers and birth dates, plus other historical information. States were given deadlines, including Jan. 20 for some programs, and suspensions remain until reviews conclude. ACF expressed concerns about extensive, systemic fraud, referenced recent federal prosecutions, and alleged possible diversion of resources, including a claim that Illinois provided CCDF benefits to illegal aliens.

Read at Axios