Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced legislation Tuesday aimed at domestic non-governmental organizations and foreign adversaries allegedly funding violent riots in the United States.
Named the Stop Financial Underwriting of Nefarious Demonstrations and Extremist Riots (FUNDERS) Act, the bill would add rioting to the list of predicate offenses under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, enabling the Department of Justice to investigate such incidents more comprehensively.
In announcing the bill on his website, Cruz stated, “Every American has the right to freedom of speech and peaceful protest, but not to commit violence. Domestic NGOs and foreign adversaries fund and use riots in the United States to undermine the security and prosperity of Americans.”
Cosponsors include Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Mike Lee (R-UT), and Josh Hawley (R-MO).
Sen. Cornyn commented, “Radical, left-wing groups who fund acts of violence, coordinate attacks against law enforcement, and spearhead the destruction of property must be stopped,” describing the legislation as a key step toward that goal.
In June, Sen. Hawley sent letters to several pro-immigrant activist groups in Los Angeles—the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), the Party for Socialism and Liberation, and Union del Barrio—inquiring whether they had supported protest activities.
“Credible reporting now suggests that your organization has provided logistical support and financial resources to individuals engaged in these disruptive actions,” Hawley wrote to CHIRLA.
“Let me be clear: bankrolling civil unrest is not protected speech. It is aiding and abetting criminal conduct,” he asserted.
CHIRLA Executive Director Angelica Salas responded, “Our mission is rooted in non-violent advocacy, community safety, and democratic values. We will not be intimidated for standing with immigrant communities and documenting the inhumane manner in which our community is being targeted—through raids, unconstitutional arrests, detentions, and assaults on our First Amendment rights.”
According to FBI Director Kash Patel, the FBI began investigating possible foreign funding behind anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles on June 10. David Carter, professor of criminal justice at Michigan State University, noted that funding protests is legal and fairly common. However, he added that supporting illegal activity would be unlawful, indicating the FBI’s focus is on the intent behind such funding.
The protests and riots have reportedly cost taxpayers over $32 million, with 92% spent on increased police presence and $1.4 million on property damage.
Despite the expenses, definitive evidence of foreign funding remains elusive, though investigations continue.
One Los Angeles-based organization, Crowds on Demand, reported receiving a substantial offer to support protests but declined. The company provides clients with hired actors to pose as fans, paparazzi, security guards, or protestors. Public records show only one contracted campaign: a push to divide California into six new states.
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Author: JBaron
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