Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, sent letters to multiple organizations launching an investigation into the funding behind the Los Angeles riots and requesting the preservation of key information. The letter also condemns the demonstrations’ “lawless mob actions” and calls for their end.
“Credible reporting now suggests that your organization has provided logistical support and financial resources to individuals engaged in these disruptive actions,” Senator Hawley wrote. “Let me be clear: bankrolling civil unrest is not protected speech. It is aiding and abetting criminal conduct.”
He sent letters to Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Party for Socialism and Liberation, and Union del Barrio.
Read the full letter here or below.
June 11, 2025
Angélica Salas
Executive Director
Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights
2533 West 3rd St, Suite 101
Los Angeles, CA 90057
Dear Ms. Salas,
I write in my capacity as Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism regarding your organization’s alleged role in financing and materially supporting the coordinated protests and riots that have engulfed Los Angeles in recent weeks. 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.
Credible reporting now suggests that your organization has provided logistical support and financial resources to individuals engaged in these disruptive actions. Let me be clear: bankrolling civil unrest is not protected speech. It is aiding and abetting criminal conduct. Accordingly, you must immediately cease and desist any further involvement in the organization, funding, or promotion of these unlawful activities.
Furthermore, please preserve the following records from November 5, 2024 to present:
- All internal communications, including emails, text messages, chat logs, and messaging applications, relating to protest planning, coordination, or funding.
- All financial documents related to protests, demonstrations, or mobilization efforts in Los Angeles or elsewhere relating to immigration enforcement.
- All third-party contracts or vendor agreements, including any arrangements with event organizers, transportation providers, security personnel, or communications consultants relating to immigration enforcement or the Los Angeles protests, or similar protests elsewhere.
- Grant applications and funding proposals that relate to or reference immigration enforcement.
- Travel and lodging records for individuals or groups supported or reimbursed in connection with protest activities.
- Media or public relations strategies, including talking points, press releases, and coordination with journalists or influencers relating to immigration protests.
- Donor lists.
Failure to comply will result in additional action by this Subcommittee, including potential referral for criminal investigation.
Sincerely,
Josh Hawley
Chairman
Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism
U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary
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