A Republican senator from Missouri has raised serious allegations against a prominent immigrant organization in Los Angeles. Senator Josh Hawley accused the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) of financially supporting civil unrest. In a letter addressed to Angelica Salas, the organization’s executive director, Hawley demanded that CHIRLA stop any involvement in what he termed "unlawful activities."
Hawley, who chairs the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, claimed that credible reports suggest CHIRLA has been providing logistical and financial support to individuals involved in disruptive actions. He emphasized that funding civil unrest is not protected under free speech and constitutes aiding criminal conduct.
In response, Angelica Salas defended CHIRLA, stating that the accusations are unfounded. She highlighted the group’s long history of peaceful activism and organizing in Los Angeles. Salas remarked that these allegations are an attempt to distract from the suffering caused by the current administration’s policies. She insisted that the focus should remain on the issues affecting immigrant communities rather than on the organization itself.
Salas also expressed concern over what she sees as a systematic effort by the federal government to undermine immigrant rights groups. She pointed out that this is part of a broader agenda targeting social justice organizations that support community rights.
Hawley’s letter comes on the heels of an announcement from a House panel, which plans to investigate 200 non-governmental organizations, including CHIRLA. The panel aims to determine if these organizations improperly used taxpayer funds to assist individuals deemed inadmissible during the current border crisis.
Adding to the tension, federal authorities recently arrested David Huerta, the president of the Service Employees International Union California, for allegedly interfering with federal officers. This union collaborates with CHIRLA, and the federal prosecutor in Los Angeles hinted that further investigations into union officials and activists could follow.
Salas stated that CHIRLA is not engaging in illegal activities but is taking the threats against them seriously. She believes the actions against immigrant rights organizations are part of a broader strategy to discredit and defund groups that advocate for social justice. Salas concluded that the ongoing attacks are not just against the immigrant community but also against the infrastructure supporting these rights organizations.