Anti-ICE Riots in LA Spark Senate Probe into Activist Groups’ Funding

In a fiery turn of events in Los Angeles, anti-ICE protests have spiraled into riots, drawing intense scrutiny on several activist groups. Organizations like the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), the Party for Socialism and Liberation, and Union del Barrio are now under the microscope of a Senate investigation led by Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri. Hawley isn’t mincing words, accusing these groups of potentially financing and supporting the chaos that has engulfed parts of the city.

The Senator, through the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, has fired off letters to these organizations, alleging they’ve provided logistical and financial backing for the disruptive actions. His stance is clear: funding civil unrest isn’t free speech—it’s aiding criminal behavior. Meanwhile, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has revealed that the IRS is digging into possible funding of violent acts tied to these protests.

CHIRLA, in particular, has found itself in the crosshairs. Despite receiving significant taxpayer funding—including $34 million in the past and $750,000 under the current administration—the group staunchly denies any role in the violence that has led to property damage across LA. At a recent press conference alongside Mayor Karen Bass, CHIRLA’s Executive Director Angelica Salas pushed back hard against what she called ‘vicious lies’ from Republicans about their mission. She emphasized their commitment to supporting the immigrant community, undeterred by Hawley’s investigation.

The backdrop to this clash is a series of ICE sweeps in Los Angeles, which have heightened tensions. CHIRLA’s rapid-response network has been flooded with calls from a frightened community witnessing enforcement actions. Salas highlighted the dual reality—fear and active resistance—as the group continues to operate deportation defense and other immigration resources.

On a broader scale, the unrest has sparked claims of ‘paid insurrections’ from high-profile figures, with ongoing legal battles over National Guard deployments adding fuel to the fire. The FBI has also stepped in, signaling readiness to investigate any evidence of criminal conspiracy or violence against federal officers. As this saga unfolds, the line between activism and anarchy remains a hotly contested battleground.