The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) is facing renewed scrutiny after newly reported financial filings showed it received more than $8.7 million in government grants during a fiscal year that coincided with unrest tied to immigration enforcement protests in Los Angeles.
According to its latest tax documents covering July 2024 through June 2025, government funding accounted for roughly 35 percent of CHIRLA’s total revenue during that period. The disclosures have drawn attention from lawmakers and critics, particularly in light of demonstrations in June 2025 that escalated into property damage and clashes with law enforcement.
The protests began after immigration enforcement activity in the region, including operations conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). CHIRLA helped organize a rapid-response network alongside labor and advocacy groups to “monitor” the operations and mobilize community members. A rally outside a federal building initially began as a protest but was later declared an unlawful assembly by police after reports of vandalism, street blockages, and objects being thrown.
The unrest prompted responses from federal and state officials, with damage estimates from various agencies ranging widely. In the aftermath, Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Josh Hawley, and committees such as the House Judiciary Committee and House Homeland Security Committee, launched inquiries into CHIRLA’s activities, finances, and communications.
Those inquiries included formal letters requesting information about the organization’s role in the protests and its use of federal funds. As of now, there have been no publicly reported findings, enforcement actions, or legislative changes resulting from those efforts. Federal agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, have not announced outcomes from any related probes.
CHIRLA has defended its work, stating publicly that its mission is nonviolent and focused on supporting immigrant communities. In response to criticism and inquiries, the organization said it would not be intimidated for advocating on behalf of immigrants and documenting what it described as aggressive enforcement actions.
Founded decades ago, CHIRLA has played a longstanding role in immigration advocacy. It became more prominent after being authorized in 2011 by the Board of Immigration Appeals to provide certain immigration-related legal services. Over the years, the group has assisted with programs such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), as well as applications for visas, deportation defense, and other forms of legal relief.
The organization has also been involved in litigation related to federal immigration policy. In 2025, CHIRLA and other groups challenged changes to federal grant programs tied to naturalization services, though courts ultimately upheld those policy shifts.
The debate surrounding CHIRLA reflects broader national tensions over immigration policy, public protest, and the role of nonprofit organizations that receive government funding. Supporters argue such groups provide essential services and advocacy for vulnerable populations, while critics question whether taxpayer dollars should support organizations involved in politically charged activities.
As investigations remain unresolved and no formal penalties have been announced, the situation continues to raise questions about oversight, accountability, and the intersection of federal funding with political advocacy during periods of civil unrest.
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The US gov’t should not be paying any NGO any money. NGOs have the right to petition the government on behalf of their supporters and members but, it seems highly circular and unethical for an organization to accept funds from a government then work against the interests of that government.