Chinese Communist Party Advocate Linked to Funding Behind Minneapolis Anti-ICE Protests

As tensions continue to escalate between protesters and federal law enforcement in Minneapolis, investigators are uncovering the complex financial network behind groups organizing the anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) demonstrations. At the center of these findings is Neville Roy Singham, a wealthy U.S. expat living in Shanghai with alleged ties to Chinese Communist Party (CCP) propaganda efforts.

A Fox News Digital investigation identified several organizations acting as primary mobilizers of protesters in Minneapolis, including the Party for Socialism and Liberation and The People’s Forum. Both groups reportedly receive substantial funding from Singham, a former tech entrepreneur who sold his IT consulting company in 2017 for $785 million before relocating to China.

According to a 2023 New York Times exposé, Singham has channeled over $250 million into various dark money organizations across the United States. Many of these entities operate with minimal transparency, using vague names and questionable addresses, such as UPS mailboxes.

“It’s undeniable that the protests in Minneapolis are supported by organizations or groups of people that are essentially collaborating to get these folks out there and engage in what turns out to be repeated acts of criminal misconduct,” said Andrew Cherkasky, a former federal prosecutor and Air Force JAG.

Singham reportedly shares office space in Shanghai with the Maku Group, a Chinese media company he funds that is known for producing pro-CCP propaganda with a mission to “tell China’s story well.”

The 71-year-old American citizen’s connections to potentially subversive activities date back to 1974, when FBI records show he was investigated for possibly being “engaged in activities inimical to U.S. interests.”

Congressional scrutiny of Singham’s network has intensified in recent years. Last June, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer launched an investigation into Singham’s alleged involvement in funding anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles. The committee noted the Party for Socialism and Liberation’s history of organizing “destructive protests and civil unrest” with apparent links to Singham.

Similarly, the House Ways and Means Committee inquired about “specific tax-exempt organizations that promote CCP propaganda” including The People’s Forum. Former Senator Marco Rubio, now Secretary of State, and Senator Lindsey Graham had also requested information regarding any investigations into Singham-associated organizations.

A key concern for investigators is Singham’s lack of registration under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which would be required if he were acting as an agent of foreign interests while influencing U.S. policy or public opinion.

Despite multiple congressional investigations, Singham remains largely beyond the reach of U.S. authorities due to his residence in China. “A subpoena can’t be enforced essentially outside of our borders,” Cherkasky explained. “It is very difficult to get somebody who is overseas to sit in front of Congress or in some cases to participate in criminal proceedings.”

The complexity of tracing donations through nonprofit organizations presents additional challenges for investigators. “When it comes to 501(c)(3)s, the influx of that money isn’t reportable,” said Cherkasky. “The people who are funding those organizations try to distance themselves from the actual conduct of the organizations because they’re just giving money.”

On the ground in Minneapolis, there are indications that some participants may be receiving compensation for their involvement. When Fox News’ Laura Ingraham questioned one demonstrator if she had a job, the woman responded, “I’m getting paid right now.”

As federal agents continue their efforts to maintain order in Minneapolis, questions remain about the extent of foreign influence on domestic protests and the adequacy of existing regulations to address such complex funding networks.