Senator Exposes Hidden Forces Behind LA Riots

Written by Matthew Peterson.

The recent unrest in Los Angeles has drawn national attention, with Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) leading a formal investigation into the funding and organization of the violent demonstrations. These events, sparked by a weekend immigration raid by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), have raised questions about the coordinated nature of the protests and the resources fueling them. This article examines the inquiry, the key players involved, and the broader implications for public safety and governance.

Senator Hawley’s Investigation into Riot Funding

On Wednesday, Senator Josh Hawley, as chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism, announced a probe into the financial backing of the Los Angeles riots. The senator’s inquiry focuses on the sophisticated equipment used by rioters, such as face shields and earphones, which suggest premeditated preparation rather than spontaneous outrage. In a public statement, Hawley emphasized that the violence was not organic, stating on social media, “Who is funding the LA riots? This violence isn’t spontaneous.”

The subcommittee, vested with subpoena power, has directed its attention to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), a Los Angeles-based nonprofit with a history of immigration advocacy. Hawley’s letter to CHIRLA’s executive director demands detailed records, including communications related to protest planning, financial documents for equipment purchases, grant applications, donor lists, and media strategies. Non-compliance, the senator warned, could lead to criminal investigation referrals.

CHIRLA’s Role in the Demonstrations

The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights has emerged as a central figure in the controversy. Founded in 1986, CHIRLA has positioned itself as a leading advocate for immigrant rights, organizing rallies and providing legal services to immigrant communities. However, critics argue that its activities have crossed into promoting lawlessness, particularly during the recent Los Angeles disturbances. Reports indicate that CHIRLA’s Los Angeles Rapid Response Network played a pivotal role in mobilizing activists to counter ICE enforcement actions, sometimes resulting in confrontations with federal agents.

A financial audit for the fiscal year ending June 2023 revealed that CHIRLA received $34 million in state funding, primarily through California’s Department of Social Services. This figure, which constitutes 72% of its total revenue, marks a significant increase from the previous year. Additionally, CHIRLA secured a $450,000 federal contract in 2023, facilitated in part by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, though the Department of Homeland Security later canceled the contract amid legal disputes. These financial ties have fueled accusations that taxpayer dollars are being used to support disruptive activities.

CHIRLA’s connections to California’s political landscape are also under scrutiny. The organization has maintained close relationships with Democratic leaders, including Mayor Bass, and has supported the election of Democratic candidates through its lobbying arm. Its affiliations with organized labor, particularly the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), further amplify its influence, as labor groups are significant financial backers of Democratic politicians in the state.

Public Safety and the Nonprofit-Industrial Complex

The escalation of protests into violent clashes has raised alarms about public safety and the rule of law. Rioters equipped with protective gear have obstructed federal law enforcement, harassed ICE agents, and disrupted civic order. Established media outlets in Los Angeles have criticized the use of such equipment, which conceals identities and shields demonstrators from crowd control measures like tear gas or rubber bullets. These tactics suggest a level of coordination that goes beyond grassroots activism, prompting Hawley’s call for transparency.

The controversy has also sparked a broader discussion about the role of nonprofit organizations in political activism. Critics, including California attorney Laura Powell, have pointed to what they term a “nonprofit-industrial complex,” where taxpayer-funded organizations wield significant influence over public policy and social movements. Powell’s analysis, shared widely on social media, highlighted CHIRLA’s reliance on state funds and its history of advocating radical positions, such as a 2018 campaign to abolish ICE. This dynamic raises questions about accountability and the appropriate use of public resources.

For example, consider a small business owner in Los Angeles whose storefront was damaged during the riots. The financial and emotional toll of such incidents underscores the need for clarity on who is enabling these disruptions. When public funds are allocated to organizations that may contribute to unrest, it erodes trust in governance and leaves communities grappling with the consequences.

Our Take

Senator Hawley’s investigation into the funding of the Los Angeles riots is a necessary step toward ensuring accountability and safeguarding public safety. The evidence of coordinated violence, coupled with CHIRLA’s substantial reliance on taxpayer dollars, demands a thorough examination of how public funds are allocated and whether they are being used to undermine the rule of law. While advocacy for immigrant rights is a legitimate cause, it must not cross into actions that endanger communities or obstruct federal authority. The inquiry’s outcome could set a precedent for how nonprofits are regulated and funded, particularly those with deep political ties. Transparency in this matter is essential to restore public confidence and prevent future escalations.