California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has exposed a taxpayer-funded nonprofit allegedly paying illegal immigrants to campaign for Democratic frontrunner Xavier Becerra, raising serious questions about the misuse of public funds and violations of federal employment law.
Story Snapshot
- CHIRLA received $72 million in taxpayer funding over three years, including $25.6 million in 2024 alone
- Internal documents reveal canvassers “ranging in status from undocumented to lawful permanent residents” working for Becerra
- Hilton claims the arrangement violates federal law prohibiting compensation to unauthorized workers
- Neither Becerra nor CHIRLA has responded to the allegations ahead of the June 2 primary
Taxpayer Dollars Funding Political Canvassing Operation
Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton publicly accused the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles of orchestrating an illegal campaign operation on behalf of Xavier Becerra. CHIRLA, which endorsed Becerra on April 13, has collected approximately $72 million in public funding over the past three years to provide immigrant services. Hilton’s CalDOGE initiative uncovered internal CHIRLA materials describing canvassers of varying immigration statuses making multiple voter contacts. The organization’s reliance on taxpayer money while engaging in political activities raises fundamental questions about accountability and the proper use of public resources.
Federal Law Violations and Silent Beneficiaries
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 explicitly prohibits compensating undocumented workers, a protection designed to prevent exploitation and maintain employment law integrity. Hilton argues CHIRLA’s use of unauthorized immigrants for political canvassing violates this federal statute, particularly when funded by California taxpayers. He protested outside CHIRLA’s Santa Ana office and referred the matter to federal and state authorities for investigation. Meanwhile, Xavier Becerra, who served as HHS Secretary under President Biden, has remained conspicuously silent on allegations that directly benefit his campaign just weeks before the primary election.
Pattern of Nonprofit Political Activism Under Scrutiny
CHIRLA’s activities fit within a broader pattern of immigration advocacy organizations blurring lines between civic engagement and partisan electioneering. Founded in 1986, CHIRLA has leveraged California’s sanctuary state policies to expand its influence and funding dramatically since 2020. Similar concerns emerged in 2020 regarding Mi Familia Vota’s voter outreach operations and prompted California Attorney General investigations into migrant aid groups in 2022. The current controversy threatens to trigger comprehensive audits of immigrant nonprofits receiving an estimated $500 million annually from state budgets, potentially exposing systemic misuse of funds intended for humanitarian services rather than political campaigns.
Implications for California’s Gubernatorial Race
The scandal erupts at a critical moment in California’s 2026 gubernatorial contest, where immigration remains a defining issue separating candidates and voters. Hilton’s exposure of CHIRLA’s operations bolsters his outsider campaign against establishment politicians while damaging Becerra’s credibility with taxpayers across the political spectrum. The allegations resonate with Americans exhausted by government waste and political insiders prioritizing electoral advantage over legal compliance. Whether federal investigators pursue the matter before June 2 could determine not only the primary outcome but also establish precedent for holding tax-funded organizations accountable when they cross from advocacy into explicit partisan activity that serves the powerful rather than ordinary citizens.
Sources:
Hilton Accuses Taxpayer-Funded CHIRLA of Using Illegal Immigrants in Becerra Push – RedState
