Fresh scrutiny has fallen on the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), a Los Angeles-based nonprofit now accused of playing a central role in mobilizing anti-ICE demonstrators.
Attorney Laura Powell, a California-based activist, drew attention to CHIRLA in a post on X, describing it as “one of the key players in fomenting the violent response to immigration enforcement actions.” She noted that the group has a history of taking aggressive stances on immigration, including leading a 2018 campaign to abolish ICE.
CHIRLA currently manages the Los Angeles Rapid Response Network, which monitors federal enforcement actions and deploys activists. Powell also highlighted the group’s political connections, pointing to close ties with the California Democratic Party, organized labor groups, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
Financial records show CHIRLA received $34 million from the state of California in the fiscal year ending June 2023, representing nearly three-quarters of its revenue. This marked a near tripling of state funding from the previous year. The organization also secured a $450,000 federal contract in 2023 before funding was frozen and later canceled by the Department of Homeland Security.
Powell warned that this arrangement represents a growing “nonprofit-industrial complex,” where taxpayer funds flow into advocacy organizations with significant political influence.
With Senator Hawley now pressing for subpoenas and further investigation, the spotlight on CHIRLA and its role in Los Angeles’ unrest is likely to intensify in the coming weeks.
