California Democrat Dave Min is pushing $1.6 million in taxpayer funds to a group that teaches illegal immigrants exactly how to evade ICE officers and deportation.
Key Takeaways
- Rep. Dave Min (D-CA) is requesting $1.6 million in federal funding for AJSOCAL, a group that provides guidance to illegal immigrants on how to avoid ICE enforcement.
- AJSOCAL explicitly advises illegal immigrants not to answer questions about birthplace, how they entered the US, and recommends against carrying foreign identification documents.
- Min’s funding request comes as he faces a tough reelection campaign in a district where immigration enforcement is a key voter concern.
- The Biden administration previously awarded AJSOCAL $2.2 million for an eviction prevention program, showing a pattern of federal support.
- Similar groups receiving taxpayer funding are facing increased congressional scrutiny and potential investigations.
Taxpayer Dollars for ICE Evasion Tactics
Freshman Democratic Representative Dave Min from California’s 47th district is actively seeking $1.6 million in federal taxpayer funds for Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL), an organization that provides explicit guidance to illegal immigrants on how to avoid detection and deportation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The funding request, listed among Min’s “legislative funding priorities,” has drawn sharp criticism from Republicans who view it as a direct undermining of federal immigration enforcement efforts during an unprecedented border crisis.
AJSOCAL has published materials advising illegal immigrants to refuse answering questions “related to where you were born or how you entered the U.S.,” said Dave Min, Representative of California.
The organization also explicitly instructs immigrants to “Get valid ID but DO NOT carry a foreign passport,” stated AJSOCAL.
Political Vulnerability and Republican Pushback
Min’s funding request comes at a politically precarious time as he faces a challenging reelection campaign in a district where immigration policy ranks high among voter concerns. The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has targeted Min’s seat, highlighting his support for organizations that assist illegal immigrants over the needs of legal California residents. Min’s office has maintained silence when questioned about the appropriateness of directing federal funds to an organization that teaches individuals how to circumvent federal law enforcement.
Republican critics are particularly focused on the message this funding sends to law-abiding citizens struggling with inflation and economic hardship. The contrast between allocating $1.6 million to help illegal immigrants avoid deportation while many Americans face financial difficulties has become a central argument against Min’s funding priorities. Additionally, AJSOCAL is not the only organization of its kind receiving federal support, as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has made similar funding requests for groups now under investigation.
Pattern of Federal Support for Controversial Groups
This is not the first time AJSOCAL has received federal funding under the current administration. The Biden administration previously awarded the organization $2.2 million for an eviction prevention program, establishing a pattern of directing taxpayer resources to groups with questionable immigration policy objectives. The growing trend of federal funding for organizations that actively work against immigration enforcement has raised concerns about accountability and proper use of taxpayer dollars.
NRCC Spokesman Christian Martinez delivered a scathing assessment of Min’s funding request, stating that Min “should be ashamed for prioritizing illegal aliens over Californians,” adding that Min has “betrayed his oath and has no interest in protecting California families or enforcing the law.” This criticism reflects the growing tension between immigration enforcement advocates and those supporting expanded protections and services for undocumented immigrants, a debate that continues to divide voters across party lines and will likely impact upcoming elections.
With congressional investigations into taxpayer-funded organizations that advise on ICE evasion potentially on the horizon, Min’s funding request may face additional scrutiny in the coming months. As President Trump continues to focus on strengthening border security and immigration enforcement, funding requests like Min’s highlight the ongoing policy conflicts that define America’s immigration debate and the allocation of federal resources in addressing this complex issue.
