An investigation is underway to identify who is funding anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protests in Los Angeles and other major U.S. cities after reports emerged that organizations and corporations had received requests to support the demonstrations. Crowds on Demand, a California-based company that specializes in providing on-demand protest crowds, told Fox News Digital that it had received “numerous high-budget requests” to participate in anti-ICE protests but declined, citing concerns over illegal activity, violence, and unpermitted road closures. The company emphasized that it only engages in causes it considers “impactful” and “commonsense” for both liberals and conservatives and avoids actions that could put participants at risk.
The federal inquiry is being led by Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley, chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism, who announced that letters would be sent to organizations suspected of funding the unrest. Hawley highlighted “credible reporting” indicating that some groups may have provided financial and logistical support to individuals involved in disruptive actions, asserting that “bankrolling civil unrest is not protected speech” and amounts to aiding criminal conduct. California Republican Representative Kevin Kiley also questioned the financial backers of the protests, suggesting a potential conflict of interest involving Governor Gavin Newsom due to campaign donations and state funding.
Central to the investigation is the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), an advocacy group identified by both Hawley and Kiley as being heavily involved in organizing anti-ICE demonstrations in Los Angeles. Kiley alleged that CHIRLA had previously run campaigns to abolish ICE and had provided real-time information about ICE operations to protesters, who then disrupted activities, sometimes violently. Kiley also noted that CHIRLA has contributed nearly $500,000 to Newsom’s campaign and received $34 million in state funding, raising questions about possible political influence.
IRS data reviewed by Fox News confirmed that CHIRLA has received $34 million in government grants over time, including three grants of $750,000 each from the Biden administration. Other organizations, such as the Million Voter Project, also reportedly supported anti-ICE marches and received portions of government funding, particularly while opposing Newsom’s recall. However, it remains unclear whether these groups directly financed any protests or endorsed violent behavior.
The investigation highlights the complex intersection of political activism, nonprofit funding, and public safety. Lawmakers stress that while peaceful protest is a protected right, financial support that enables unlawful disruption or violence constitutes criminal liability. The letters sent by Hawley’s committee demand that organizations cease any involvement in planning, funding, or promoting illegal activity, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter.
Officials continue to scrutinize the network behind the protests, attempting to separate lawful advocacy from actions that may constitute criminal conduct. While companies like Crowds on Demand have rejected participation in the unrest, the inquiry aims to determine whether political contributions, government funding, or nonprofit resources have indirectly supported rioting or other illegal activity. The investigation remains ongoing, with federal authorities and lawmakers seeking accountability and transparency regarding the sources and use of funds connected to the anti-ICE demonstrations.
