FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Tuesday that his agency is actively investigating funding sources behind the recent violent protests in Los Angeles, including allegations of financial support by Democratic-aligned and liberal groups.
Patel described the unrest as orchestrated chaos, leaving federal authorities “deeply concerned” about whether the violence was intentionally financed.
“The FBI is following the money,” Patel said in a briefing. “We are evaluating all pathways—public or private—that enabled, encouraged, or sustained these disturbances. We will identify and hold accountable anyone who financed violent or criminal activity.”
The comments followed a weekend in which Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted raids in L.A.-area communities, inciting wave after wave of protests that spiraled into episodes of rock-throwing, property destruction, and clashes with law enforcement.
Demonstrations were notably intense near ICE operations in Paramount, prompting a dramatic federal response: President Trump deployed hundreds of National Guard troops and active-duty Marines to quell the disorder — a move sharply opposed by California’s Democratic governor and Los Angeles mayor.
Patel’s announcement adds a new layer to a rapidly evolving narrative, shifting focus to the potential role of external funding.
Though he provided no details of specific financial trails, his insistence on the FBI’s active role in tracing funds underscores the administration’s framing of the unrest as not merely spontaneous protest, but possibly premeditated civil disruption.
Meanwhile, attention has centered on two activist organizations prominently tied to the protests. One, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), is a well-established advocacy group that reportedly received nearly $34 million in government grants over the previous year.
Critics suggest the group played a crucial role in coordinating protests at the same ICE sites. CHIRLA’s leaders have firmly denied any involvement in encouraging violence, characterizing their efforts as legal observers and peaceful organizers.
Another focal point is the far-left Party for Socialism and Liberation, which has been linked to Chinese investment through billionaire activist Neville Singham.
Analysts say the group’s presence at recent protests reflects the broader complexity of the unrest, where ideological, political, and possibly foreign funding interests converge.
Director Patel framed the violence as more than a law enforcement issue. “This isn’t just disorder,” he said. “It’s an orchestrated effort, and we’re going to figure out who has facilitated it.”
His remarks come as federal authorities continue to document and assess the scope of arrests and disruptions throughout Southern California.
For Democrats and the organizations involved, Patel’s pronouncement raises questions about the line between protected protest and financial complicity in violent acts.
Advocates argue that charitable grants and activist funding should not be equated with support for violence itself, especially when many funds are legally sourced and publicly disclosed.
As the FBI proceeds with its financial inquiry, federal resources remain deployed across Los Angeles, and local authorities struggle to restore calm.
Patel’s focus on “following the money” suggests a shift towards addressing civil unrest not just with boots on the ground, but through investigative tools at the disposal of federal crime-fighting agencies.
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