The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (commonly known as CHIRLA) is a Los Angeles-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1986. It focuses on advocating for immigrant rights, providing legal services, education, policy advocacy, and community organizing to support immigrants and refugees, particularly in California. CHIRLA describes itself as a member-based group that empowers immigrants through trainings, actions, marches, and legislative advocacy to promote inclusion, human rights, and participatory democracy. CHIRLA has been prominently involved in opposing ICE enforcement actions, including protests and rapid response efforts against deportations and raids. It has publicly called for defunding or restricting ICE/DHS, mourned deaths in ICE custody, and participated in anti-ICE demonstrations (e.g., in Los Angeles in 2025). The group emphasizes non-violent advocacy, legal defense for immigrants, and emergency support programs. Funding Sources CHIRLA relies heavily on grants (especially government ones), individual donations, and foundation support. It has earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for financial health, accountability, and transparency.

• Government Grants (Major Portion): Public records and IRS filings show significant taxpayer funding, particularly from California state sources.
  • In the fiscal year ending around June 2023, CHIRLA received approximately $33.9–$34 million in government grants (a sharp increase from prior years, e.g., $12 million previously).
  • Much of this came from California state programs, including partnerships for disaster relief (e.g., COVID-era assistance for undocumented immigrants) and immigrant integration initiatives.
  • Federal grants under the Biden-Harris administration totaled nearly $1 million (e.g., DHS awards of $450,000 in 2023 for citizenship instruction/naturalization services, plus others in 2021–2022 for similar programs). The Trump administration terminated some of these grants in 2025 and sought to recoup funds.
  • California provided tens of millions more to anti-deportation/immigrant rights groups overall (e.g., $73.6 million across groups in 2023–2024, with CHIRLA receiving about $35 million in one reported period).
• Private Foundations and Donors: Grants from entities like the Haas, Jr. Fund (e.g., $125,000+ for legal pathways and economic mobility for immigrants). Other foundation support appears in grant databases, though specifics vary by year.
• Individual and Recurring Donations: CHIRLA actively solicits tax-deductible contributions via its website, including monthly pledges, workplace giving, honorary/memorial gifts, and campaigns (e.g., $65 million “I Welcome Immigrants” for headquarters). It also runs funds like iRelief (emergency cash aid), DACA Trust Fund, and bond funds for detained immigrants.
• Other: Some reports mention indirect ties to platforms like ActBlue for donations, though CHIRLA primarily emphasizes direct support and membership.

Controversies and Investigations Related to Funding and ProtestsIn mid-2025, amid violent anti-ICE protests/riots in Los Angeles (triggered by ICE arrests and enforcement), CHIRLA faced scrutiny from Republican lawmakers and media:

• House Judiciary Committee (led by Reps. Jordan, McClintock, Biggs) opened an inquiry into whether CHIRLA used taxpayer grants to support or fund the protests/riots, demanding documents, communications, and donor lists. Concerns centered on potential misuse of federal funds (e.g., DHS grants) for activities impeding immigration enforcement.
• Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) sent a letter demanding records over alleged financial/material support for “coordinated” violent protests.
• California GOP lawmakers called for state audits of how taxpayer funds (especially state grants) subsidized activism/protests.
• Some reports alleged CHIRLA provided transportation, legal support, or other aid tied to protest participation, though CHIRLA denies wrongdoing and frames its work as lawful advocacy, legal defense, and community response.
• The FBI reportedly looked into funding of the LA anti-ICE protests, with CHIRLA named among involved groups.
• CHIRLA maintains its activities are non-violent, focused on rights protection, and compliant with nonprofit rules. No final determinations of illegality have been widely confirmed in public sources as of early 2026, but probes highlight debates over government funding of advocacy groups opposing federal enforcement.

For the latest details, check CHIRLA’s official site (chirla.org), ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer for recent IRS Form 990s, or ongoing congressional updates. Funding can fluctuate yearly based on grants and donations.