House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, along with Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Chairman Tom McClintock and Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance Chairman Andy Biggs, have initiated an inquiry into the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA). The inquiry focuses on taxpayer-funded grants awarded to CHIRLA by the Biden-Harris Administration. The lawmakers have sent a letter to Angelica Salas, Executive Director of CHIRLA, requesting all documents related to these grants.
Media reports suggest that CHIRLA is involved in funding protests in Los Angeles following arrests made by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. These arrests included individuals previously convicted of violent crimes. Concerns have been raised about the possibility that federal funds might be used to support activities impeding federal immigration law enforcement.
The letter from the lawmakers states: "On June 6, 2025, protests broke out in Los Angeles...According to media reports, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) is one of the groups leading and funding the protests." It further notes that during the Biden-Harris Administration, CHIRLA received nearly $1 million in taxpayer-funded grants.
The letter emphasizes Congress's role in ensuring that grants are used according to statutory authorization and congressional intent. Public records show that CHIRLA received significant federal funding during this administration period. This includes a $450,000 grant from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for citizenship instruction services which was later terminated by the Trump Administration.
The full details are available in their communication with Angelica Salas.
