Sen. Jim Banks Demands Investigation into Anti-ICE Activist Groups
Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) is calling for a federal inquiry into activist groups protesting the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), claiming they are organized and financed by foreign entities, including operatives linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
In a letter directed to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, which was obtained by Breitbart News, Banks urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to look into a “national and coordinated” movement of radical leftists opposing ICE, often leading to violent confrontations.
“We ask you to investigate the foreign influence driving anti-ICE initiatives,” the senator wrote. He pointed to progressive organizations worldwide that have orchestrated protests, economic boycotts, and school strikes against ICE. “In many instances, these actions obstruct federal law,” he added.
He cited incidents where protesters have assaulted federal officials and attempted to ram vehicles. Banks stressed that the government “needs to discover who is behind this chaos before it tears our country apart.”
Banks also noted that local governments in Democratic areas are refusing to cooperate with federal law enforcement, mentioning that major left-wing donors and mainstream media provide support. He claimed that “foreign enemies” of the U.S. are actively involved in the anti-ICE movement.
Just last week, the U.S. State Department identified a network of progressive organizations tied to left-wing billionaire Neville Singham, which he referred to as a source of Chinese influence.
Recent reviews by the Breitbart News Foundation revealed more about Singham’s collaboration with a Shanghai-based consulting firm and a Chinese media outlet, which specializes in promotional work for the CCP.
Banks explained that while many benefitting from Singham’s funding support the CCP, the network has also led anti-ICE protests and school strikes across the nation. He mentioned Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss as another foreign figure involved in similar activities.
An article by the New York Post detailed how Wyss contributed millions of dollars to progressive causes, despite not being a U.S. citizen.
Banks cited a report indicating that Wyss has funded pro-abortion ballot measures throughout the country.
He mentioned that an organization backed by Wyss is providing ICE resistance training, aimed specifically at “interfering” with federal law enforcement operations nationwide.
In his letter, Banks posed several questions to the DOJ, requesting responses by April 5:
- How many organizations are involved in anti-ICE activities? Are they funded or organized by foreign sources, and do any of these sources come from countries of concern or those that promote extremism?
- Does any entity funded by Neville Singham register with the DOJ as a foreign agent acting on behalf of the CCP?
- Do groups in the Singham network have a legal obligation under the Foreign Agents Registration Act to disclose their status as foreign agents?
- What plans does the DOJ have to hold non-profit organizations accountable for any actions that contravene U.S. law while opposing ICE?
In closing, Banks emphasized that “foreign principals should not influence U.S. immigration policy” and need to refrain from urging U.S. citizens to obstruct law enforcement. “At the very least, we must understand who is financing anti-ICE actions, their level of influence, and whether they act as agents of our adversaries,” he concluded.
