Trump administration officials announced Tuesday that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is actively “tracing money” connected to the recent left-wing riots that have besieged Los Angeles since June 6.
The IRS, in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), is investigating the financial networks supporting the anti-deportation unrest that has resulted in nearly $20 million in damages and over 550 arrests.
In a video statement posted to X, leaders from the three agencies underscored their collaborative effort to identify and disrupt the funding streams behind the prolonged civil unrest.
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“We are currently tracing money to determine who is providing funding for these riots,” stated IRS Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher. He emphasized the broad impact of such funding, noting that “Funding crime doesn’t just affect the criminals. It also disrupts entire communities… make no mistake, we will identify and disrupt financial networks supporting these criminal activities.”
The riots erupted in Los Angeles on June 6 following the arrest of a union leader who allegedly obstructed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
Left-wing activists reportedly utilized a coordinated social media campaign to incite protests, with some groups explicitly encouraging participants to “disrupt and slow ICE incursions” and defend undocumented immigrants “by whatever means necessary.”
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Fox News’ Bill Melugin also reported instances of individuals distributing items like earplugs, gas masks, and water bottles that were subsequently thrown at police officers.
DOJ prosecutor Bill Essayli highlighted a recent arrest linked to the unrest, citing the apprehension on Thursday of a man charged with conspiracy to commit and aiding and abetting civil disorders for allegedly distributing face shields to rioters.
Essayli condemned such actions, stating, “These violent agitators put peaceful demonstrators at risk.” He issued a stern warning to potential offenders, advising them to “Think before you act,” as they could face fines and imprisonment.
FBI Director Kash Patel, who on June 9 had already announced his agency’s investigation into “any and all monetary connections responsible for these riots,” reiterated the federal commitment to uncovering the financial backing.
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The Los Angeles riots, sparked by outrage against ICE, have triggered similar unrest and arrests in various cities across the country, particularly in those with Democrat-led administrations. The ongoing investigations by federal agencies aim to bring accountability to those financing the destructive activities that have impacted communities and incurred significant costs.
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