A recent report has disclosed that The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), a group funded by taxpayers and associated with the Democratic Party, organized a rally condemning the actions of ICE. In 2023, CHIRLA received $34 million in government grants, primarily from California, along with $450,000 from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for citizenship initiatives, although DHS subsequently reduced its funding.
In light of the serious allegations, CHIRLA has refuted any connection to the violence, asserting that it merely conducted a press event and dispatched legal observers. Additionally, the Marxist Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), which has ties to the Chinese Communist Party through financial support from billionaire Neville Singham, also contributed to the protests.
For context, since June 7, 2025, violent anti-ICE demonstrations in Los Angeles, triggered by arrests made by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), have escalated into riots, leading President Trump to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops.
In response, a spokesperson for CHIRLA denied any participation, stating, “We have not participated, coordinated, or been part of the protests being registered in Los Angeles other than the press conference and rally cited above.”
In a tepid reaction to the riots, California Governor Gavin Newsom remarked, “The Federal government is moving to take over the California National Guard and deploy 2,000 soldiers. That move is purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions. LA authorities are able to access law enforcement assistance at a moment’s notice.”
Taking a different stance, President Trump expressed on Truth Social, “If Governor Gavin Newscum [sic], of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can’t do their jobs, which everyone knows they can’t, then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!.”
As previously reported, Newsom has issued several statements that shifted the responsibility for these violent riots onto the president, claiming, “Donald Trump has manufactured a crisis and is inflaming conditions.
Highlighting the alleged threat to Democracy presented by President Trump, he lamented, “You will face prosecution. Your actions extend beyond mere damage to buildings and property; you are undermining the very foundation of our republic. Democracy hangs in the balance. Donald Trump is exploiting you as a pretext to militarize a city and bypass our democratic processes.”
In conclusion to his disconnected statements, he remarked, “To the numerous peaceful protesters — we aim to ensure your safety. We encourage you to exercise your fundamental rights. Additionally, to our law enforcement personnel on the streets—who are upholding the laws with respect and responsibility—we also wish to ensure your safety. However, Donald Trump must retract his actions. He must step back.”
Nevertheless, a representative from the LAPD stated, “Agitators have fragmented and spread throughout the Downtown Area. Residents, businesses, and visitors in the Downtown Area should remain vigilant and report any criminal activities. Officers are responding to various locations to disperse crowds. An UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY has been declared for the Downtown Los Angeles region.