LA activist group faces investigation over anti-ICE protests
The recent anti-ICE protests and riots in Los Angeles have sparked an investigation into activist groups such as the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), the Party for Socialism and Liberation, and Union del Barrio. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri is leading the charge through the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, while Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has indicated that the Internal Revenue Service is looking into potential funding of violent acts associated with these protests.
Hawley sent letters to the activist groups, accusing them of financing and materially supporting the coordinated protests and riots that have disrupted Los Angeles. He emphasized that bankrolling civil unrest is not protected speech and amounts to aiding and abetting criminal conduct. CHIRLA’s Executive Director, Angelica Salas, has condemned the ICE sweeps in Los Angeles and stated that the organization has not been involved in any violent activities. Despite receiving a letter from Hawley, Salas remains committed to standing with the immigrant community.
CHIRLA has reportedly received $34 million in taxpayer funding in the past, including $750,000 under the Biden administration. The organization operates a rapid-response network that assists individuals during ICE arrest operations, providing deportation defense services and other immigration resources. Salas highlighted the fear and uncertainty within the community due to recent enforcement operations.
President Donald Trump has alleged the involvement of paid instigators in the riots, as tensions continue to escalate between his administration and the state of California over National Guard deployment. The FBI has stated that they will investigate any evidence of criminal conspiracy related to the protests, emphasizing their commitment to prosecuting individuals who engage in violence or damage government property.
As the investigation unfolds, CHIRLA and other activist groups are under increased scrutiny for their alleged roles in financing and supporting the anti-ICE protests and riots in Los Angeles. The outcome of the investigation will shed light on the extent of their involvement and potential consequences for their actions.
