Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), who leads the Senate Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, has launched an investigation into an organization potentially connected to recent anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles.
Hawley shared a letter on social media directed to the executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, notifying the group of the inquiry. In the letter, Hawley wrote, “While peaceful protest is a cornerstone of American democracy, these demonstrations have escalated into lawless mob actions. They have obstructed federal law enforcement, endangered public safety, and disrupted the rule of law. This lawlessness is unacceptable. It must end.”
The senator alleged that “credible reporting now suggests that your organization has provided logistical support and financial resources to individuals engaged in these disruptive action,” adding, “bankrolling civil unrest is not protected speech. It is aiding and abetting criminal conduct.”
Hawley called on the organization to “immediately cease and desist any further involvement in the organization, funding, or promotion of these unlawful activities.” He also requested that the group turn over records, including internal communications about protest planning, financial documents, and any agreements with third parties.
Townhall reports that the senator’s announcement comes a day after FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the Bureau had initiated its own probe into the funding behind the rioters, and that the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights was among the entities being reviewed.
The protests erupted over the weekend following several Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the Los Angeles area. The situation escalated into widespread looting, vandalism, and attacks on law enforcement. In response, President Donald Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops and additional Marine units to the region to restore order.
California Governor Gavin Newsom responded by filing a lawsuit against the federal government, accusing it of militarizing the city. He submitted an emergency motion on Tuesday to block the deployment, but a federal judge denied the request.