The FBI and IRS issued a crystal clear warning to those funding anti-ICE riots and said there would be “consequences” for “aiding and abetting acts of violence during civil unrest.”
In a video shared on Tuesday on X by the Federal Bureau of Investigations Los Angeles, United States Attorney Bill Essayli, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis, and IRS Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher took turns explaining that those who fund rioters that attack law enforcement officers, etc. will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“The right to assemble and protest peacefully is protected by the law,” Essayli said. “Unfortunately, we’ve seen individuals whose intentions are to cause damage and to assault law enforcement. For example, last week, we arrested an individual who was charged with conspiracy to commit and aiding and abetting civil disorders. These violent agitators put peaceful demonstrators at risk.”
Davis jumped in and said that the FBI and “our federal partners will continue to investigate individuals and organizations who are knowingly funding or committing acts of violence against law enforcement as well as the destruction of property.”
Hatcher said the IRS is currently “tracing money to determine who is providing funding for these riots. Funding crime doesn’t just affect the criminals; it also disrupts entire communities. Each dollar funneled into illegal operations fuels violence, undermines law and order, and perpetuates fear. Make no mistake, we will identify financial networks supporting these criminal activities.”