A federal probe is underway into whether Los Angeles anti-ICE protests were secretly financed by nonprofit groups or political donors, raising concerns over legality and accountability.
At a Glance
- Crowds on Demand says it turned down high-paying protest gigs linked to anti-ICE rallies, citing potential legal exposure.
- Federal investigators are examining whether donations to advocacy groups financed violent activity during the protests.
- Senator Josh Hawley subpoenaed multiple nonprofits for records, citing possible financial support for unrest.
- Public records show CHIRLA received $34 million in state grants and donated $500,000 to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s campaign.
- A viral Craigslist ad offering weekly protester pay was debunked as a prank, with no evidence of real funding links.
FBI and DOJ Investigate Protest Financing
Federal agencies are actively probing whether nonprofit or political funds bankrolled criminal activity during anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the bureau is “investigating the funding behind the anti-ICE protests,” as detailed in a report by AOL News. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons stated that several incidents of violence — including arson, looting, and physical assaults — occurred during the demonstrations.
Crowds on Demand, a company known for providing paid protester services, revealed it had received “numerous high budget requests” to participate in the events but declined due to the legal risks involved, according to a Fox News investigation.
Watch a report: GOP Lawmakers Demand Answers on Anti‑ICE Protests.
Nonprofits Face Mounting Scrutiny
Senator Josh Hawley, leading the Senate Crime and Counterterrorism Subcommittee, issued subpoenas to CHIRLA, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, and Unión del Barrio, seeking communications, contracts, and donor information. According to MyNBC15, these subpoenas form part of an expanding federal inquiry into whether any nonprofits functioned as financial intermediaries for planned unrest.
Hawley’s staff referenced what he called “credible evidence” suggesting logistical and monetary support behind violent protest actions. In a report by The Guardian, Hawley warned that funding organized civil unrest is not protected under First Amendment rights.
CHIRLA, a major California nonprofit, has denied any role beyond peaceful protest organizing. Public records show the group received approximately $34 million in state grants and later contributed $500,000 to Governor Gavin Newsom’s re-election fund — a financial trail highlighted in a Fox News report.
Legal Consequences and Policy Fallout
If any nonprofit funds are found to have directly supported unlawful protest activities, those organizations could face federal criminal charges and a loss of tax-exempt status. Lawmakers are already preparing proposals that would increase transparency requirements for nonprofits receiving public funds or engaging in political advocacy.
The legislative fallout could be significant even without convictions. A report from The Daily Beast clarified that a Craigslist ad promising up to $12,500 per week for “activist gigs” was ultimately deemed a prank, but it fueled public suspicion about behind-the-scenes financing.
With pressure mounting from both federal agencies and congressional committees, more subpoenas, hearings, and regulatory debates are expected in the weeks ahead.
