An inquiry is currently being conducted to identify the sponsors of the anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protests occurring in Los Angeles and other significant U.S. cities, following a statement from a notable corporation indicating it has received requests for support.
Crowds on Demand, a firm based in California that specializes in providing on-demand protest crowds, informed Fox News Digital that it had received “numerous high-budget requests” to participate in the anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles and other areas, but chose to decline these offers.
A spokesperson for the company stated that it opted not to engage in the events taking place in Los Angeles as it did “not wish to associate with any form of illegal activity, including violence, vandalism, or obstructing roads without proper permits.”
“We receive inquiries about nearly every significant social cause imaginable, and the anti-ICE protests are no exception,” the company remarked. “The mere fact that we receive requests does not imply that we accept them, as often the budget does not align with the ambition.”
The company further noted that it only engages in “impactful commonsense causes for both liberals and conservatives, but always represents the commonsense position.”
“Even the organization of peaceful demonstrators around this issue (anti-ICE) could endanger those demonstrators due to the presence of violent agitators and the challenges law enforcement faces in differentiating between peaceful and violent activists,” the company added.
Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley, who chairs the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism, announced that the committee is dispatching letters to several organizations believed to be involved in the funding.
One of the groups under scrutiny by Hawley and Republican California Representative Kevin Kiley is the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, or CHIRLA, an advocacy organization said to be central to the anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles.
“Who is financing the LA riots? This violence is not spontaneous. As the chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime & Terrorism, I am initiating an investigation to uncover the sources of funding.”
Hawley’s correspondence highlighted that credible reports have suggested the organization provided logistical assistance and financial resources to individuals involved in these disruptive actions, specifically referencing the Los Angeles riots.
Hawley stated, “Let me be clear: financing civil unrest is not protected speech. It constitutes aiding and abetting criminal behavior. Therefore, you must immediately cease and desist any further participation in the organization, funding, or promotion of these illegal activities.”
Kiley also raised questions regarding who was funding the riots and speculated that California Governor Gavin Newsom’s objectives might present a conflict of interest.
Kiley remarked, “The nonprofit associated with the LA riots contributed nearly $500,000 to support Newsom’s campaign. Subsequently, it received $34 million in state funding. I am certain this is merely a coincidence.”
Additionally, Kiley informed Fox News that CHIRLA had supported a campaign aimed at abolishing ICE.
Kiley stated, “The NGO known as CHIRLA played a significant role in the LA riots. This organization, which has previously advocated for the elimination of ICE, informed the rioters about the locations of ICE operations in real time. The agitators would then arrive and disrupt ICE activities, often resorting to violence.”
Kiley further asserted, “This group is a significant campaign donor to Gavin Newsom and has received $34 million in state funding. An investigation is entirely appropriate and necessary.”
According to IRS data obtained by Fox News, CHIRLA has received $34 million in government grants, including three grants from former President Joe Biden’s administration, each amounting to $750,000.
Documents reveal that the Million Voter Project, which received a portion of these donations while opposing Newsom’s recall, has also supported anti-ICE demonstrations.
It remains uncertain whether either organization financed any protests, and there is no evidence to suggest that they endorsed the riots.
