A Republican senator from Missouri has announced plans to investigate a prominent immigrant rights organization in Los Angeles. Senator Josh Hawley accused the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of financially supporting unrest during recent protests. In a letter to the group’s leader, Angelica Salas, Hawley demanded that they stop any involvement in what he described as unlawful activities.
Hawley, who chairs the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, claimed there are credible reports suggesting that the organization has provided logistical and financial support to those participating in disruptive actions. He emphasized that funding civil unrest is not a form of protected speech and constitutes aiding criminal behavior.
In response, Salas, a well-known advocate for immigrant rights, rejected the senator’s accusations. She highlighted the Coalition’s history of peaceful organizing and stated that the claims are an attempt to distract from the real issues affecting immigrants under the current administration. Salas argued that the federal government is trying to undermine organizations that support immigrant rights.
This controversy comes as a House panel has started investigating 200 non-governmental organizations, including the Coalition, for their roles in assisting immigrants during what has been termed a border crisis under the Biden administration. House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green and Subcommittee Chairman Josh Brecheen expressed concerns about whether these organizations misused taxpayer funds to facilitate illegal activities.
The situation escalated recently when federal authorities arrested David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union California, for allegedly interfering with federal officers. This union collaborates with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights. The U.S. Attorney for Los Angeles, Bill Essayli, indicated that further investigations into union officials and organizers are likely, stating that they have video evidence of activists resisting federal operations.
Salas expressed concern over the threats directed at her organization and others like it, claiming these actions reflect a broader agenda against social justice groups. She emphasized that the Coalition is committed to supporting immigrant rights and will not be intimidated by such tactics.