Politics
Anti-ICE Group Got Millions From Taxpayers, Then Funded Riots
A California-based immigrant advocacy group pulled in millions in taxpayer cash the same year protests tied to its organizing efforts spiraled into violence in Los Angeles — and so far, it has faced little apparent fallout from Washington.
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, known as CHIRLA, reported receiving $8,726,683 in government grants in its most recent tax filing covering July 2024 through June 2025. That funding accounted for roughly 35% of the group’s total revenue, according to the filing.
The funding period coincided with unrest that erupted in June 2025, when anti-deportation demonstrations in Los Angeles turned destructive. The protests followed organizing efforts tied to an anti-ICE rapid response network that CHIRLA helped establish earlier that year. Demonstrations at a federal building escalated, with protesters clashing with police, blocking streets, and damaging property after what began as a rally.
Authorities later estimated the damage from the broader unrest across parts of California ranged widely, from tens of millions to as much as $1 billion.
The fallout drew attention on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers in both chambers launched inquiries into CHIRLA’s finances and activities, including requests for internal records and communications. The House Judiciary Committee and Sen. Josh Hawley pressed the group for answers in June.
But months later, there has been little visible movement. There have been no public reports indicating CHIRLA complied with the document requests, and lawmakers have not announced additional steps. The Judiciary Committee did not issue a subpoena, while Hawley warned at the time of a “potential referral for criminal investigation.”
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Federal agencies have also remained largely quiet. The IRS and the office of First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli did not provide updates on a previously announced probe tied to the riots. The FBI’s Los Angeles field office declined to comment.
CHIRLA has been a major player in immigration services for years. The group was authorized by the federal government in 2011 to provide certain immigration-related assistance. Since then, it has handled large volumes of applications under programs like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, along with services tied to visas, deportation defense, and temporary protected status.
Tax filings show the organization has received more than $80.6 million in government grants since 2021.
At the same time, CHIRLA has been active in legal challenges against federal immigration policy. The group joined lawsuits earlier this year opposing the halt of certain federal grants tied to naturalization programs. Courts have so far upheld the funding pause.
Another congressional panel, the House Homeland Security Committee, also sought information from the group about its activities. That effort has likewise produced no public results.
CHIRLA pushed back against the scrutiny, framing the inquiries as political pressure.
“We will not be intimidated for standing with immigrant communities and documenting the inhumane manner that our community is being targeted with the assault by the raids, the unconstitutional and illegal arrests, detentions, and the assault on our First Amendment rights,” the group said in response to Hawley’s letter.
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The June 6 protest that set off the unrest was tied to the arrest of Service Employees International Union leader David Huerta, who was accused of obstructing federal immigration agents during an enforcement operation earlier that day. Demonstrators gathered outside a federal building, and while the event began peacefully, authorities declared an unlawful assembly after clashes broke out.
CHIRLA had partnered with labor groups and other organizations earlier in 2025 to form the Los Angeles Rapid Response Network, which mobilizes activists to monitor immigration enforcement activity. The network was activated the day of the protest as reports of increased ICE operations in the area spread.
Federal data later showed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested 1,618 people in Los Angeles in June.
Despite criticism over the violence, CHIRLA has maintained that its mission is “non-violent.” The group has emphasized the right to protest and criticized the federal response, including the deployment of National Guard troops ordered by President Donald Trump.
For now, the investigations launched in the wake of the unrest appear to have stalled, even as questions linger over how taxpayer funding intersects with politically active nonprofit groups.
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