Los Angeles has recently become the epicenter of intense anti-ICE demonstrations, with two organizations, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) and the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), at the forefront. DataRepublican, through its investigative work, has unveiled that these organizations have not only received taxpayer dollars but also funds with foreign political ties, particularly from the Chinese Communist Party.
The situation came to light when financial records indicated that CHIRLA was the beneficiary of nearly $34 million in government grants during the 2023 fiscal year, a significant increase from the $12 million received the year before. This funding spike coincided with the organization's ramped-up opposition to federal immigration policies. Furthermore, CHIRLA secured $450,000 in federal grants from the Department of Homeland Security intended for "citizenship education and training," despite their active protests against the department's operations. In a move reflecting a growing unease with the situation, the DHS terminated its financial relationship with CHIRLA in March 2024, reclaiming unspent funds.
Last week's rally in Los Angeles, organized by CHIRLA to oppose ICE's actions targeting undocumented immigrants, escalated into violence. Over a thousand demonstrators took to the streets, resulting in assaults on immigration officers, property vandalism, and public disorder. The severity of the unrest prompted President Trump to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to restore order.
In response to the events, a CHIRLA spokesperson denied any involvement in the violent aspects of the protests, affirming that their actions were limited to a press conference and legal observation roles. Despite these claims, the presence of signs printed by PSLWEB, the online arm of the PSL, points to a more complex picture of the protests.
The PSL, known for its radical Marxist stance, has also been implicated in the protests. The group's funding streams have been traced back to socialist billionaire Neville Singham and his connections to the Chinese Communist Party. An extensive New York Times report in 2023 mapped out Singham's sophisticated funding operations, revealing a web of influence that spans several continents.
The recent riots erupted as federal authorities, under Trump's administration, resumed immigration enforcement actions, resulting in approximately 150 arrests. During these operations, confrontations between ICE officers and demonstrators led to the use of crowd control measures, including tear gas.
United States Attorney Bill Essayli reported over a dozen arrests related to the riots on Saturday. The involvement of taxpayer-funded organizations in these events has sparked a debate over the accountability and transparency of groups leading political opposition movements.
As federal and state agencies reassess their grant allocations in the wake of these revelations, questions continue to surface regarding the ethical implications of government funding for activist groups, especially those with undisclosed or controversial affiliations.
