Republican Senator Josh Hawley Targets CHIRLA for Allegedly Supporting Violent Anti-ICE Protests in California
Sen. Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, has launched a formal investigation into a California-based immigration advocacy group, alleging that the organization may have played a role in fueling recent violent protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles.
In a letter sent Wednesday to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Hawley accused the group of potentially providing financial and material support to what he called “coordinated” demonstrations that escalated into riots. “Who is funding the LA riots? This violence isn’t spontaneous,” Hawley stated on social media. “As chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime & Terrorism, I’m launching an investigation to find out.”
‘Bankrolling Civil Unrest Is Criminal Conduct,’ Hawley Warns
The letter, addressed directly to CHIRLA Executive Director Angelica Salas, cites “credible reporting” that the group may have aided protesters with logistics and funding. Hawley did not specify sources of the reporting, but his message was unambiguous.
“Let me be clear: bankrolling civil unrest is not protected speech. It is aiding and abetting criminal conduct,” Hawley wrote.
“Accordingly, you must immediately cease and desist any further involvement in the organization, funding or promotion of these unlawful activities.”
He also demanded that CHIRLA provide a wide range of internal documents including protest-related communications, financial records, third-party contracts, vendor agreements, and travel expenses of those allegedly reimbursed by the group. Additionally, Hawley asked for access to CHIRLA’s donor lists.
CHIRLA’s Ties to Government Funding Under Scrutiny
The allegations come amid growing criticism from conservatives over government funding flowing to progressive nonprofits. According to IRS records, CHIRLA has received a total of $34 million in government grants, including three awards under the Biden administration totaling $750,000.
While former President Donald Trump previously cut federal funds to the group, CHIRLA continues to receive support from state and local agencies to fund its legal efforts against deportation cases.
The organization also runs the Rapid Response Network, a widely-used hotline designed to alert immigrants about nearby ICE activity. The system sends real-time text notifications, which critics argue can help undocumented individuals evade immigration authorities.
Trump Blames ‘Professional Agitators’ for Violence
Amid the intensifying clashes, President Trump has placed the blame squarely on organized activists.
“The people that are causing the problem are professional agitators. They’re insurrectionists. They’re bad people. They should be in jail,” he said. Trump even went so far as to suggest that California Governor Gavin Newsom should be arrested for his handling of the unrest.
That comment sparked swift backlash from Newsom, who took to social media to denounce the remark.
“The President of the United States just called for the arrest of a sitting Governor,” Newsom posted. “This is a day I hoped I would never see in America. I don’t care if you’re a Democrat or a Republican this is a line we cannot cross as a nation, this is an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism.”
National Guard Deployed as Protests Escalate
As anti-ICE demonstrations continue to grow more volatile, federal officials have begun coordinating with local authorities to restore order. Former Border Czar Tom Homan confirmed that the National Guard would be deployed across Los Angeles County in an effort to control the situation.
Images from the weekend showed protesters burning debris and clashing with law enforcement in riot gear outside an industrial park in Paramount, California.
As of now, CHIRLA has not issued any public comment regarding the investigation or responded to requests for clarification.
The controversy highlights a growing political divide over immigration enforcement, civil protest, and the flow of taxpayer funds to advocacy groups operating on the front lines of these polarizing issues.
