A wave of protests erupted in Times Square, a stark visual statement against U.S. immigration policies. But the demonstrations weren’t spontaneous; they were carefully orchestrated, part of a growing network of activism with deep roots and complex funding.
The recent arrest of forty demonstrators inside a Philadelphia Target store exemplifies this strategy. Activists from No ICE Philly flooded the store, chanting demands and urging the company to publicly denounce collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This wasn’t an isolated incident, but a calculated pressure campaign targeting a major retailer.
No ICE Philly isn’t a lone voice. They are part of a decentralized movement utilizing “whistle kits” – packages containing protest materials and legal guidance – mirroring tactics developed in cities like Chicago and Minneapolis. These kits empower local groups with resources to challenge ICE’s actions directly.
Behind the scenes, organizations like the Party for Socialism and Liberation provide crucial infrastructure, organizing rallies and offering logistical support. However, this group is now under Congressional scrutiny, facing questions about funding sources and potential ties to foreign influence.
Arrested protesters aren’t left to navigate the legal system alone. Networks like the NSM Community Fund and the Juntos Commissary Fund step in, providing bail and legal assistance. These support systems, in turn, are fueled by larger philanthropic organizations.
Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) emerges as a central player, a national network dedicated to organizing white activists in support of various social justice movements. Founded in 2009, SURJ has become a remarkably versatile protest organization, shifting focus from anti-Trump resistance to Black Lives Matter, and now, the fight against ICE.
The sheer frequency of SURJ-backed protests raises questions. How do activists consistently dedicate time and resources to successive causes across different states? Is there a pattern of prioritizing visible action over sustained commitment to individual issues?
Jamie Marsicano embodies this pattern. Repeatedly arrested during protests – from Charlotte’s Keith Lamont Scott demonstrations to the George Floyd uprisings and the Stop Cop City movement – Marsicano’s case highlights the dedication, and the risks, involved in this constant cycle of activism.
No ICE Philly doesn’t operate in isolation. They actively coordinate with the Solidarity Organizing Initiative (SOI), an organization that SURJ explicitly partners with for training in “nonviolent resistance.” This reveals a clear division of labor: SURJ provides the national framework, while local groups execute the strategies on the ground.
SURJ’s reach extends to collaborations with labor unions like SEIU, orchestrating national days of action. They also provide on-the-ground support during confrontations with federal agents, even offering training on how to physically intervene with ICE operations.
This escalating involvement has drawn the attention of law enforcement. A recent RICO case in Minneapolis, and ongoing investigations, signal a more aggressive approach to tackling what authorities deem “Business as Usual” protest tactics. The potential application of the 1871 KKK Act adds a chilling dimension to the legal landscape.
The financial underpinnings of SURJ and its affiliated groups are notoriously opaque. Tracing the money reveals a complex web of donors and pass-through organizations, designed to obscure the original source of funding.
George Soros-linked networks are a recurring theme, often providing funds indirectly through re-granting organizations. The Open Society Foundations have historically supported groups partnered with SURJ, while organizations like Solidaire Network and Borealis Philanthropy act as intermediaries.
The Tides Foundation plays a pivotal role, functioning as a major clearinghouse for liberal philanthropic money and allowing donors to remain anonymous. This structure makes it incredibly difficult to determine the true extent of financial support for these movements.
Beyond domestic funding, investigations are underway into potential foreign influence. Accusations have surfaced regarding billionaire Neville Singham, residing in China, allegedly funding far-left organizations, including those involved in the Stop Cop City protests. Lawmakers suspect a deliberate effort to disseminate CCP propaganda.
A recent report identified nearly $2 billion flowing from foreign entities into U.S. social justice and climate agendas, with a potential link to the Chinese Communist Party. A loophole in disclosure requirements further complicates efforts to track the flow of funds.
