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An inquiry is ongoing into the sources funding anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protests that are disturbing Los Angeles and other significant U.S. cities, following revelations from a major firm about requests for assistance.
Crowds on Demand, a California-based service that arranges crowds for protests, informed Fox News Digital that it has received “numerous high-budget requests” to engage in the anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles and beyond, but it chose not to participate.
A representative from the company explained its decision to stay out of the Los Angeles situation was due to a desire to avoid involvement in any illegal activities, including violence, vandalism, or unauthorized road closures.
“We are approached about virtually every prominent social issue, and the anti-ICE protests are no exception,” the company stated. “However, receiving requests does not imply we accept them; often, the budgets do not align with our standards.”
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A vehicle ablaze on Atlantic Boulevard amid a standoff between protesters and law enforcement following multiple arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Paramount, Calif., on June 7, 2025. (Reuters/Barbara Davidson)
The company further clarified that it focuses on “significant and reasonable causes for both liberal and conservative views, always representing a balanced perspective.”
“Even organizing peaceful protesters regarding this issue (anti-ICE) poses risks due to the presence of violent provocateurs and the challenge law enforcement faces in distinguishing between peaceful and aggressive individuals,” the company remarked.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection asserted that anyone violating the law will face repercussions.
Demonstrators obstruct the intersection of 2nd Street and San Pedro Street during an anti-ICE protest in downtown Los Angeles. (Peter D’Abrosca for Fox News Digital)
“We are not here to negotiate with criminals. If you break the law or attack our agents, you will face arrest, prosecution, and accountability. There are no exceptions,” the agency declared in a statement on X.
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., who leads the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism, indicated that the committee would be reaching out to various organizations suspected of providing financial support.
A protester ignites debris as Border Patrol personnel in riot gear and gas masks oversee the situation outside an industrial area in Paramount, Calif., on June 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
One of the entities being scrutinized by Hawley and Republican California Rep. Kevin Kiley is the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), an advocacy group thought to be instrumental in the anti-ICE demonstrations in Los Angeles.
“Who is financing the LA protests? This unrest is not spontaneous. As the chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime & Terrorism, I’m initiating an investigation to uncover the truth,” Hawley stated on X.
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The letter from Hawley highlighted that “credible reports” suggest the organization has offered “logistical support and financial aid to individuals involved in these disruptive actions,” in reference to the Los Angeles unrest.
“Let me be clear: funding civil disorder is not protected speech. It constitutes aiding and abetting criminal behavior. Therefore, you must immediately halt any further involvement in the organization, support, or promotion of these illegal activities,” Hawley wrote.
Kiley also probed into the funding sources for the demonstrators, hinting at a potential conflict of interest involving California Governor Gavin Newsom.
“The ‘nonprofit’ linked to the LA protests donated nearly $500,000 to support Newsom’s campaign, followed by $34 million in state funding. Surely, this is just a coincidence,” Kiley remarked on X.
Kiley informed Fox News Digital that CHIRLA has reportedly backed a movement to abolish ICE in the past.
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“The organization CHIRLA played a significant role in the LA protests. Previously, it has organized a campaign to abolish ICE and notified the demonstrators of ongoing ICE operations in real-time, allowing them to disrupt activities, even through violent means,” Kiley said.
“This group significantly contributes to Gavin Newsom’s campaign and has received $34 million in governmental support. An investigation is essential,” Kiley insisted.
IRS documents acquired by Fox News reveal that CHIRLA has been granted $34 million in federal funds, including three awards from former President Joe Biden’s administration amounting to $750,000.
The Million Voter Project, which benefitted from some of these funds and opposed Newsom’s recall, has also backed anti-ICE protests according to available records.
It remains unclear if either organization financed any protest activities, and there is no evidence indicating they supported rioting.
“It’s utterly ridiculous to think that either the governor or I would support any form of vandalism or violence occurring in our city,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated in an interview with CNN on Tuesday.
“I’ve made it very clear that the actions taking place in our streets are unacceptable. Looting is criminal behavior, and those responsible will be apprehended and prosecuted. I don’t believe anyone who commits vandalism supports immigrants,” she added.
Bass’ office informed Fox News Digital that she has established a curfew in downtown Los Angeles to “limit the actions of individuals who do not represent the immigrant community.”
“Law enforcement will take action against those violating the curfew and will be prosecuted,” Bass emphasized.
Fox News Digital sought comments from both CHIRLA and Newsom’s office but did not receive immediate replies.
Fox News Digital’s Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.
Stepheny Price writes for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, covering topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com
