Investigation Launched by Senator Josh Hawley into Funding of Anti-ICE Protestors

Senator Josh Hawley has initiated an inquiry into the financial backers of the violent protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles. In a recent communication, the Missouri Republican targeted the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), seeking information about their alleged involvement in funding and supporting these incidents of unrest.

Financial Ties and Government Grants

Following a revelation by the transparency organization Open the Books, it was disclosed that in 2023 and 2024, five immigration-focused nonprofits, including CHIRLA, received a substantial $73.6 million from California’s public funds. CHIRLA alone was allocated $35 million and has been linked to the 2018 Abolish ICE movement, among other activities. Additionally, the coalition received $450,000 in 2023 from the Citizenship and Assimilation Grant Program managed by the federal government for services related to citizenship and naturalization.

Challenging the Funding of Unrest

Senator Hawley, who chairs the Senate subcommittee on crime and counterterrorism, expressed his suspicions on social media, questioning the spontaneity of the violent incidents and insinuating premeditation supported by external funding. In a stern letter to Angelica Salas, the executive director of the coalition, Hawley demanded an immediate end to the organization’s involvement in the unrest, emphasizing that financing such activities crosses the line from protected free speech to criminal behavior.

In defense, CHIRLA and its director, Ms. Salas, firmly rejected these claims, asserting their commitment to non-violent advocacy and constitutional rights. They denounced the accusations as an attempt to intimidate their efforts in supporting immigrant communities.

Further Actions by Senator Hawley

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Hawley expanded his inquiry by dispatching similar requests for detailed records to additional groups involved in immigration protests, including the Party for Socialism & Liberation and Union del Barrio. These letters solicit internal communications, financial records, travel documents, and more, tied to the organization of the protests, with a caution that failure to comply may lead to criminal investigation referrals.

Response to Ongoing Protests and Violence in Los Angeles

The escalating violence at the ICE protests in Los Angeles has led to damage and chaos, prompting the arrest of hundreds. President Donald Trump, backed by the White House, has decisively sent the National Guard and Marines to restore order, critiquing the violent nature of the protests and labeling the participants as malevolent actors disrupting public safety.

Despite criticisms from Democratic leaders in California regarding the militarized response, which they argue only exacerbates tensions, the administration maintains a firm stance on protecting peace and law enforcement efforts. The White House emphasizes President Trump’s support for lawful and peaceful protest but condemns any acts of violence against law enforcement personnel. Trump himself has harshly criticized the troublemakers involved in violent outbreaks, describing them as “paid insurrectionists.”

As this investigation unfolds and the tension in Los Angeles continues, the narrative of defending law, order, and the integrity of national borders remains a pivotal element of the ongoing discussions around immigration and public safety.