A socialist organization has been linked to the recent protests in Los Angeles, which began on a Friday and displayed a chaotic, anti-abolition spirit. This group, connected to a network funded by wealthy Chinese investors, is known as the Socialist Party of Liberation (PSL). Over the weekend, the PSL openly supported protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), urging further demonstrations on social media platforms.
The PSL’s ties extend to individuals associated with a group steered by American tech entrepreneur Neville Singham, whose activities have raised eyebrows regarding a campaign endorsing propaganda from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
On Sunday, the PSL noted the bravery of protestors in Los Angeles, criticizing the government’s labeling of their actions as “mob” behavior in response to what they described as a harsh war on immigrants. This sentiment comes amid claims that the administration is mobilizing National Guard troops against protesters.
As tensions escalated, President Trump activated the National Guard in response to the unrest, which included property damage and the blocking of roads. Reports indicate that at least 56 individuals were taken into custody during these protests.
Amid the protests, the PSL called for “mass mobilization,” sharing footage of the events, which indicated increased activity and further arrests occurred that Sunday. The PSL’s request for comment went unanswered.
Singham, noted for his pro-China stance, has funneled millions into the PSL-related People’s Forum since 2017, often through various intermediary organizations. The People’s Forum was co-founded by Claudia de la Cruz, who has political aspirations herself, having run as a PSL candidate in 2024. Interestingly, PSL does not have to publicly disclose its funding sources, and De La Cruz has characterized the organization as “member funded.”
Moreover, influential members of PSL have previously been involved with Breakthrough BT Media Inc., a media organization backed by Singham.
Attempts to reach Singham for comments were unsuccessful, and his founding company, Thoughtworks, did not reply to inquiries. Meanwhile, the People’s Forum also did not respond to requests for information. It’s noteworthy that Singham, whom some label as a Marxist, has publicly distanced himself from direct political affiliations.
Lastly, while PSL has historically praised figures like Mao Zedong, they also denounce the violence attributed to the CCP during the infamous Tiananmen Square protests. Nevertheless, the group continues to characterize the Los Angeles protests as a fight against what they perceive as oppression from the Trump administration.
Interestingly, PSL’s support for Hamas came under scrutiny following the arrest of a former member charged with the murder of two Israeli embassy staff. Afterward, the PSL distanced itself from this individual, asserting he has no connections with them.
