Senator Josh Hawley, R-Mo., has expanded his investigation into alleged financial support for anti-ICE riots, vowing to issue subpoenas against three left-wing organizations. The senator has sent letters to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), and the Union del Barrio (UD), demanding internal communications and financial records related to the protests. Hawley claims the riots are not spontaneous and believes someone is funding them, stating that those who bankroll civil unrest are aiding illegal activities.
Chirla did not respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital on Wednesday, while PSL and UD did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Thursday. Hawley told Fox News Digital in an interview that he will seek subpoenas against the organizations if they do not comply, which they have yet to do. The senator also said he would pursue public hearings on the issue, suggesting that transparency is crucial.
The letters request that all three organizations provide internal communications relating to any protest planning or funding, as well as financial documents related to the same, including third-party contracts, vendor agreements and various other business relationships. Hawley wrote in the letters that bankrolling civil unrest is not protected speech and emphasized the need to stop any further involvement in unlawful activities. The organizations’ donor lists are also being sought.
IRS records obtained by Fox News show that CHIRLA has received $34 million in government grants, including three from former President Joe Biden’s administration for $750,000. Despite being cut funding by Trump, CHIRLA still receives state and city grants to support its lawyers in fighting against deportations. CHIRLA is also responsible for creating the so-called Rapid Response Network, which provides immigrants with text alerts to avoid ICE raids.
Trump has been vocal in his belief that many of the rioters and protesters in Los Angeles are professional agitators rather than real protesters. He has suggested that he would support arresting California Governor Gavin Newsom over his handling of the riots. Federal officials have also criticized Democrats for ‘dangerous’ rhetoric related to the ICE agents facing violent mobs in Los Angeles and New York City. The National Guard is set to be deployed in Los Angeles County as anti-ICE protests continue, according to reports from the border czar, Tom Homan.