GOP Launches New Investigation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) is demanding a federal investigation into whether a Los Angeles-based nonprofit is using taxpayer dollars to support disruptive protests that have rocked the city in recent days.

As Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, Hawley sent a formal letter Wednesday to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), requesting detailed financial records and internal communications. His probe follows credible reports suggesting the organization may have provided financial and logistical support to individuals taking part in pro-illegal immigration demonstrations across Los Angeles.

“Bankrolling civil unrest is not free speech — it is aiding and abetting criminal behavior,” Hawley wrote. “Any organization that facilitates lawlessness must be held accountable.”

The nonprofit — which has received funding from the Department of Homeland Security for “citizenship education” programs — denies involvement in the protests. In a statement to the New York Post, a CHIRLA spokesperson insisted the group had only participated in a press conference and rally, and not in any of the widespread protests disrupting city streets.

Yet according to Hawley, the allegations raise serious questions about whether federal tax dollars are being used to promote anti-border enforcement activism, rather than legitimate community services.

CHIRLA has not responded to questions from The Hill about its potential ties to the protests.

Critics say the group has taken a radical stance on immigration enforcement and is now working hand-in-hand with Democrat leaders in California, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. During a faith-based rally earlier this week, CHIRLA’s Executive Director Angelica Salas called on Americans to “pray” for detained illegal immigrants and to oppose immigration raids.

“We love this country,” Salas declared. “We want this country to love us back.”

Her comments sparked backlash from conservative observers who argue that respect for U.S. law — not emotional appeals — should be the foundation of any immigration discussion.

As protests continue and tensions rise, Hawley’s investigation is striking a chord with millions of older Americans who believe law and order must be restored in America’s largest cities.

Why This Matters

For many hardworking taxpayers, the idea that nonprofit groups receiving federal money might be supporting civil disobedience and anti-enforcement activism is deeply troubling. With rising crime, open-border policies, and growing chaos in sanctuary cities like Los Angeles, Americans are demanding transparency — and accountability.