California Republicangubernatorial candidate Steve Hiltonis escalating accusations against his Democrat rival Xavier Becerra, claiming a taxpayer-funded nonprofit is helping build a political ground game powered by immigrant communities, including those without legal status.
At the center of the dispute is the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) and its political arm, the CHIRLA Action Fund, which formally endorsed Becerra for governor on April 13.
Hilton, pointing to findings from the California Department of Government Efficiency (CAL DOGE), alleges the group is benefiting from millions in public funding while engaging in political organizing tied to Becerra’s campaign.
“NEW FROM CAL DOGE:California taxpayer $$$ funding illegal immigrantsto campaign for Xavier Becerra, in violation of federal law,” Hilton wrote on X.
CAL DOGE is an anti-fraud and waste-cutting initiative launched on Jan. 26 by Hilton to root out corruption in the state government.
A document highlighted in the investigation outlines what it calls a “pipeline” approach: beginning with immigration legal services such as DACA renewals and naturalization, then moving individuals into civic engagement activities like voter registration and mobilization.
The same materials describe efforts to “create as many citizens as possible” and to build a new voter base capable of influencing state politics.
Organizers are said to target newly naturalized citizens and maintain repeated outreach, “4–7 pre-election contacts per voter,” through canvassers described as “ranging in status from undocumented to LPR (lawful permanent resident).”
The CHIRLA Action Fund ultimately endorses candidates and spends to support them, according to the outline.
CAL DOGE claims this structure effectively links taxpayer-funded services to political activity, alleging that individuals without legal work authorization are being paid to participate in campaign-related outreach.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
