California Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley has expressed strong support for the Department of Justice’s lawsuit against Los Angeles over its sanctuary policies, calling the legal action ‘encouraging.’ He praised the DOJ’s initiative, which argues that the city’s policies impede federal immigration authorities, particularly ICE operations. Kiley, in an interview with Fox News Digital, emphasized the constitutional responsibility of the federal government in immigration enforcement, stating that state and local policies cannot override federal law.
Kiley also introduced the ‘No Tax Dollars for Riots Act,’ a legislative proposal aimed at cutting taxpayer funding for nonprofit organizations that may have contributed to anti-ICE riots. The bill seeks to revoke tax-exempt status for groups found to be aiding and abetting unlawful demonstrations. He highlighted that the legislation is a ‘common sense’ measure, arguing that public funds should not support entities that incite or participate in violence.
The lawsuit against LA follows heightened civil unrest in June when ICE conducted operations in the region. Kiley pointed to the Coalition for Human Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), which received over $34 million in taxpayer funding, as a key inspiration for the legislation. CHIRLA, however, has denied any involvement in the violence and accused the GOP-led investigation of being a targeted effort to undermine its mission. The group’s executive director, Angelica Salas, warned that the allegations are part of a political campaign to silence advocacy for immigrant rights.
President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Kiley’s proposal, urging immediate legislative action. He tweeted that the administration should stop funding groups that incite riots, with the message that such organizations should not receive public money after causing destruction. The controversy highlights the growing partisan divide over immigration policy, with critics on the right accusing left-wing advocacy groups of undermining law and order.