As Los Angeles recovers from a weekend of violent anti-ICE protests, new information is surfacing about the organizations involved, where their funding comes from, and the political figures weighing in—some even showing up in person.

One of the most striking revelations: a nonprofit organization with strong political connections and millions in public funding played a major role in protests that left ICE officers injured, federal property vandalized, and parts of downtown L.A. in turmoil.

During the height of the chaos, Congresswoman Maxine Waters made a surprise appearance, directly confronting National Guard troops sent by President Trump. She questioned why they were “armed in her city,” drawing attention and criticism from both sides of the political aisle.

Spotlight on CHIRLA

Attorney and activist Laura Powell identified the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)—a well-known Los Angeles nonprofit advocating for immigrant rights—as a central force behind the protests. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Powell shared a screenshot linking CHIRLA to recent anti-ICE actions and didn’t hold back.

“If you live in California, what’s happening in L.A. is your tax dollars at work,” Powell wrote, accusing CHIRLA of playing a lead role in inciting the violence.

CHIRLA has a long track record of progressive immigration advocacy. Powell highlighted the group’s history, including its 2018 campaign to abolish ICE and its current leadership of the Los Angeles Rapid Response Network—a coalition that monitors immigration enforcement and mobilizes activists in real time.

As investigations into the protests continue, questions are growing louder about how publicly funded nonprofits engage in political activism and where the line is drawn between peaceful protest and organized unrest.