Federal authorities in Los Angeles are actively investigating who may be financially backing the ongoing anti-ICE riots that have rocked the city since June 6. Tyler Hatcher, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Division for Los Angeles, confirmed during a Tuesday press conference that his agency is tracing money trails in an effort to disrupt financial networks fueling the violence.
“Each dollar funneled into illegal operations fuels violence, undermines law and order, and perpetuates fear,” Hatcher stated. He vowed to hold accountable anyone found funding the criminal unrest.
The press conference, held jointly with U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli and FBI Assistant Director Akil Davis, marks a serious escalation in federal efforts to restore order after riots led President Donald Trump to federalize California’s National Guard and deploy U.S. Marines to secure federal facilities and support law enforcement.
Essayli emphasized that peaceful protest is protected by law, but warned of severe consequences for those crossing the line into violence. “We’ve seen individuals whose intentions are to cause damage and to assault law enforcement,” Essayli said. “Those individuals will face prison time.”
FBI Assistant Director Akil Davis appealed to the public for help identifying individuals or groups funding the destruction. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-TIPS-FBI or online at TIPS.FBI.GOV.
ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons and Border Czar Tom Homan confirmed that ICE will not scale back enforcement operations despite the unrest. “ICE will not be deterred,” Lyons said, stressing that immigration enforcement operations will continue nationwide, including in sanctuary jurisdictions.
The investigation highlights the growing concern over organized financial support behind violent protests, particularly as federal agencies face coordinated opposition in liberal urban strongholds.
