Left-wing advocacy groups in the hot seat as anti-ICE riots trigger investigation: 'Not protected speech'
Hawley investigates immigration activist groups for any possible ties to violence, unrest
Cameron Arcand By Cameron Arcand Fox News
Published June 15, 2025 7:00am EDT
The anti-ICE protests and riots in Los Angeles brought heightened scrutiny on activist groups, including the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, and Union del Barrio.
CHIRLA and the other groups are now subject to an investigation by Sen. Josh Hawley, R-MO., through the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said that the Internal Revenue Service is looking into any possible funding of "violent" acts, according to CBS News.
Hawley sent letters to the groups for an "alleged role in financing and materially supporting the coordinated protests and riots that have gulfed Los Angeles."
ANTI-ICE RIOT FUNDING INVESTIGATED AFTER ‘NUMEROUS HIGH BUDGET REQUESTS’ FOR PAID AGITATORS WERE REPORTED
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 28: Sen. Josh Hawley. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
"Credible reporting now suggests that your organization has provided logistical support and financial resources to individuals engaged in these disruptive actions," Hawley wrote in the letters. "Let me be clear: bankrolling civil unrest is not protected speech. It is aiding and abetting criminal conduct."
