Republican Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley announced Wednesday he is launching an investigation into who is funding the riots in Los Angeles, California.
Hawley, chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, posted to X a letter he wrote to the Executive Director for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), Angelica Salas.
The letter requested information on the organization’s alleged role in funding the recent riots in LA. (RELATED: How Well-Funded, Organized Leftists Helped Jumpstart LA Riots)
“While peaceful protest is a cornerstone of American democracy, these demonstrations have escalated into lawless mob actions,” Hawley said in the letter.
“Credible reporting now suggests that your organization has provided logistical support and financial resources to individuals engaged in these disruptive actions,” Hawley wrote.
Hawley requested financial and internal records from CHIRLA, and he told Salas that “bankrolling civil unrest is not protected speech.”
“Accordingly, you must immediately cease and desist any further involvement in the organization, funding, or promotion of these unlawful activities,” the letter stated.
Additionally, Hawley is demanding the group preserve various documents, including internal communication records, financial documents relating to demonstrations, grant applications, donor lists, media strategies and other records from Nov. 5, 2024, to present.
If CHIRLA fails to comply with the subcommittee’s request, it will lead to “additional action” which could include “potential referral for criminal investigation,” according to the letter.
CHIRLA, a Los Angleles-based left wing nonprofit, received almost $34 million dollars in government grants during the Biden administration, according to tax filings for the 2023 fiscal year.
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) advertised a press conference with CHIRLA at the federal building in downtown Los Angeles, which took place Friday.
Hundreds of people gathered at the building at 4 p.m., and protesters blocked off part of the street and reportedly sprayed graffiti on the Federal Detention Center, according to ABC 7 News. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) declared an unlawful assembly around three hours later, the outlet reported.
President Trump ordered the deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles Saturday as violence continued. The anti-ICE rioting has gone on for several days, and Trump deployed 700 Marines to Los Angeles Monday.
