House investigator targeting Nashville mayor's standoff with ICE gives explosive update amid LA riots

The House GOP is investigating the Nashville mayor's battle with federal immigration officials while expanding its probe to the Los Angeles riots.

Rep. Andy Ogles said the House Judiciary and Homeland Security committees are probing Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell. (Getty Images)

"Although described as privately funded, the Belonging Fund has been promoted through official city platforms and appears to leverage city infrastructure. Its stated purpose – to provide legal aid, housing, transportation, and other support to individuals arrested or targeted by ICE – raises serious concerns," Ogles wrote to Trump officials.

"If any federal resources were used directly or indirectly, this could constitute a violation of the Anti-Deficiency Act or federal grant restrictions."

He also questioned whether funds were used "to harbor or conceal individuals from lawful detention."

The fund’s website states that "donations to the fund are made possible solely by individual donors and private organizations – no government dollars are included. That means no taxpayer dollars are being used in the administration or distribution of this fund."

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House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green is helping lead the probe. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

"In particular, we are closely reviewing recent events in Los Angeles, California, where violent protests allegedly in opposition to immigration enforcement have erupted," Ogles said.

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President Donald Trump ordered the National Guard into Los Angeles to quell the riots over the objections of Democratic city and state officials.

Democrats have accused the Republican administration of a drastic overreach of presidential powers and needless escalation, while GOP allies of Trump argued that it was a necessary answer to the situation.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) said it could not confirm receipt of the letter.

Fox News Digital also reached out to DHS, the FBI and the White House for a response to Ogles' letter. Fox News Digital also reached out to the Nashville and Los Angeles mayors' offices.

Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.

Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/house-investigator-targeting-nashville-mayors-standoff-ice-makes-explosive-update-amid-la-riots