Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into who may be funding violent anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) riots in Los Angeles and other major U.S. cities, following revelations that a California-based protest organization had received high-budget offers to participate.
“Crowds on Demand” Confirms High-Paying Requests for Riot Participation
Crowds on Demand, a Beverly Hills–based company known for providing hired crowds for events and demonstrations, told Fox News Digital that it had received “numerous high-budget requests” to join in the ongoing anti-ICE riots but declined.
A company spokesperson said the firm refused to participate because it “did not want to get close to any form of illegal activity, including violence, vandalism or blocking off roads without a permit.”
“We receive inquiries regarding practically every major social cause imaginable, and the anti-ICE demonstrations are no exception,” the spokesperson said. “The fact that we receive requests does not mean we take them.”
The company added that it only takes on “impactful commonsense causes” — whether liberal or conservative — and expressed concern about the risk of peaceful demonstrators being caught up in violent unrest.
“Even organizing peaceful demonstrators around this issue could put them at risk due to the presence of violent agitators and the difficulty for law enforcement in distinguishing between peaceful and violent activists,” the company added.
Senator Josh Hawley Leads Congressional Inquiry
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism, announced that his committee is sending letters to multiple organizations allegedly connected to riot funding.
One of those groups is the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), a California-based advocacy organization reportedly involved in organizing anti-ICE demonstrations.
“Who is funding the LA riots? This violence isn’t spontaneous,” Hawley wrote on X. “As chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime & Terrorism, I’m launching an investigation to find out.”
In his letter, Hawley cited “credible reporting” suggesting that CHIRLA 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,” Hawley wrote. “You must immediately cease and desist any further involvement in the organization, funding or promotion of these unlawful activities.”
Rep. Kevin Kiley Questions Political Ties to Newsom
Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) also raised concerns about possible political connections between CHIRLA and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, noting financial links between the group and the governor’s campaign.
“The ‘nonprofit’ behind the LA riots donated almost $500,000 to support Newsom’s campaign. It then received $34 million in state funding. I’m sure this is all a coincidence,” Kiley posted on X.
Kiley told Fox News that CHIRLA has previously campaigned to abolish ICE and allegedly played a central role in alerting protesters to ICE operations in real time.
“The NGO known as CHIRLA was centrally involved in the LA riots,” Kiley said. “The organization, which has previously sponsored a campaign to abolish ICE, alerted the rioters to where ICE operations were occurring in real time. The agitators would then show up and disrupt ICE activities, including through the use of violence.”
“This group is a major campaign contributor to Gavin Newsom and has received $34 million in state funding. An investigation is absolutely appropriate and necessary,” he added.
Federal Records Show Millions in Grants
According to IRS data reviewed by Fox News, CHIRLA has received approximately $34 million in government grants, including three federal grants of $750,000 each during the Biden administration.
Documents also show that the Million Voter Project, which received a portion of CHIRLA’s funding and opposed Newsom’s recall effort, has supported anti-ICE marches.
At this stage, it remains unclear whether either organization directly financed any violent protests. There is no public evidence indicating that CHIRLA or its affiliates endorsed or condoned rioting.
DOJ and Congress Probe Deepens
The DOJ’s investigation follows increasing bipartisan pressure to identify those funding violent demonstrations across major U.S. cities. Lawmakers say determining whether nonprofit or political funds were misused is now a top priority.
The Department has not yet released an official statement, but officials familiar with the probe say federal investigators are reviewing financial records, grant allocations, and organizational communications tied to recent anti-ICE events.
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