Federal racketeering laws should be turned on funders and organizers of the violent Los Angeles anti-ICE riots, says Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley.

Hawley spoke with The Heartlander Wednesday after announcing a Senate subcommittee investigation into the source of what many view as a true insurrection.

As part of his investigation, Hawley, chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, wrote a cease-and-desist letter Wednesday to one organization he said “credible reporting” suggests may be fueling the violent protests.

His letter to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) seeks internal and external communications, financial documents, third-party agreements, funding sources, travel records and media talking points that relate to the protests.

“Failure to comply will result in additional action by this Subcommittee, including potential referral for criminal investigation,” the letter warns.

And if they don’t comply?

“Well, then we can escalate, and I’ll go to the Judiciary Committee and ask them to issue subpoenas,” Hawley tells The Heartlander.

“My view is that the American people have got to get answers here. This is a group of people, these organizers, whoever they are, these financiers, whoever they are, they are threatening the security of this country. 

“And you look at those pictures out of L.A., you’d think we’re being invaded. I mean, all of these foreign flags getting waved around while they blow up stuff and try to hurt American citizens. What is going on here? This is why the National Guard was absolutely necessary and still is in California. And it’s why we need to get answers as to who’s behind this.”

What kinds of criminal charges might be in order?

“Well attempted murder, assault, vandalism,” Hawley says. “You’re seeing the U.S. Justice Department begin to charge people with those things in L.A., which is absolutely fantastic. 

“And I would think for those who are behind the organizing, the planning, you could see RICO [Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act] charges, which is when you use a conspiracy to plan an illegal act, when you do it using a financial system. You could have potential money laundering. We need to get the facts here.”

The federal RICO statute allows the government to target what it considers criminal enterprises, or those with a pattern of racketeering, through criminal and civil penalties.

Hawley says some organizations are actually taking credit for the often violent protests. 

“For people who are out there boasting and saying, ‘Oh, this is great, we’re helping plan these riots,’ my message is, ‘Well, tell us more. In fact, tell us everything, because we need to know who you are and what you’re doing.’ And we need to put a stop to it.

“We’ve got groups out there that are boasting about financing, organizing, planning these riots. Well, let’s find out more about those groups. Who is it, exactly? And where does their money come from? Because these aren’t peaceful protests. These are violations of the law. These are attempts to shut down an entire city, and in some instances burn it to the ground. I want to know who’s behind it.”

Is it possible the protests and riots are part of a humanitarian mission?

Hawley chuckles at the thought.

“No, it’s neither spontaneous nor humanitarian. It is entirely planned, and it is entirely thuggish. 

“Just look at what they’re doing: blowing up cars, storming federal buildings, assaulting civilians, firebombing streets and stores and mom-and-pop shops. This is ridiculous. 

“And you’ve got a whole bunch of groups on social media claiming credit for it – saying that they’re organizing it and funding it. Well, I want to know who. 

“So, today I’ve launched an investigation to find out who is financing these riots and who is organizing it. I think the American people deserve to know. And in the meantime the people of California, just like the people of the country more broadly, deserve law and order and the rule of law. And that’s why I’m glad that Donald Trump has sent in the National Guard.”

Does Hawley anticipate holding hearings on the sources of the riots?

“I hope,” he says. “What I anticipate is getting the facts and getting the truth and making all of that public. So, I’ve begun sending out investigative letters today. We’re going to pursue that as long as it takes, as far as it goes, and get the truth.”