Letters addressing concerns about the use of federal funding tied to recent protests and immigrant aid were sent to over 200 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights Los Angeles (CHIRLA), from Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley on Wednesday.
CHIRLA’s official press release, written by Luis Tadeo, included a comment attributed to CHIRLA’s Executive Director Angelica Salas, who acknowledged and responded to the letter.
“We categorically reject any allegation that our work as an organization now and during the past 39 years providing services to immigrants and their families violates the law. Our mission is rooted in non-violent advocacy, community safety, and democratic values. We will not be intimidated for standing with immigrant communities and documenting the inhumane manner that our community is being targeted with the assault by the raids, the unconstitutional and illegal arrests, detentions, and the assault on our First Amendment rights,” Salas said.
The Party of Socialism and Liberation, Union del Barrio and other NGOs also received a letter from Hawley.
“We have not participated, coordinated, or been part of the protests being registered in Los Angeles other than the press conference and rally,” a CHIRLA representative told the New York Post according to reporter Josh Christenson.
Executive Director of the Full Rights for Immigrants Coalition Juan Jose Gutierrez shared his own concerns and possible repercussions as a result of these allegations.
“They attacked CHIRLA about the demonstrations… I think that clearly this is cruel that the republicans, specifically the senate and Senator Josh Hawley undermine the work that pro-immigrant organizations have been carrying out for years. They have the intention of weakening and ensuing chaos. We reject these false accusations that are not based on fact, they are simply allegations,” Gutierrez said.
The letter addressed many topics, one of which Hawley said, “… your organization’s alleged role in financing and materially supporting the coordinated protests and riots that have engulfed Los Angeles in recent weeks… Credible reporting now suggests that your organization has provided logistical support and financial resources to individuals engaged in these disruptive actions.”
Gutierrez clarified that immigration services help people get their work permit for those who are already in the position to receive citizenship.
“This senator raises concerns and accusations that won’t be supported by evidence,” said Gutierrez.
Although CHIRLA has recently faced a budget cut, Gutierrez doesn’t believe that it will lead to the organization’s collapse.
“They’re going to continue to operate, organizations that aren’t as large as CHIRLA are going to be in serious trouble, not just the organization, but the people they serve,” Gutierrez said.
Regarding moving forward, Gutierrez emphasized the importance of the “No Kings Day” rallies and protests that are set to occur on Saturday across the nation.
“We’re going to be mobilizing a large, contingent amount of people toward immigration rights. We have to be there to advocate for the goal of immigration reform. This is the only solution to a situation that has been blown out of proportion. We know that we face many many challenges, but only united and through peaceful action we are going to be successful,” Gutierrez said.
