Ted Cruz Files Bill to Target Activist Groups with Anti-Organized Crime Laws

Activist groups that fund and organize protests could be targeted by federal law enforcement under the same statute used to go after organized crime if U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz gets his way.

The Texas Republican introduced a bill last week that adds "rioting" to the list of activities included in the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations or RICO Act, which prosecutors use to charge large groups of people connected to a criminal activity.

On the heels of ongoing protests against work site raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, some of which resulted in physical clashes with police in Los Angeles, Cruz's legislation is viewed as a means to go after groups who fund and organize similar protests.

"Today’s organized riots against Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and Trump enforcement actions are not spontaneous unfunded actions by local actors—and they should not be treated as such," Charles Stimson, a senior advisor at the conservative Heritage Foundation, wrote in an op-ed Sunday. "As opposed to charging individuals with violations of the riot act, (under the bill) the government will be able to charge the organizers, funders, and logistical supporters of rioters as a group for violating RICO."

Cruz says the change in law would not apply to "peaceful protest" but would rather go after "domestic NGOs and foreign adversaries" that use "riots in the United States to undermine the security and prosperity of Americans."

"My legislation will give the Department of Justice the tools it needs to hold them accountable," he said.

Six Senate Republicans including John Cornyn, of Texas, Josh Hawley of Missouri and Thom Tillis of North Carolina have signed on to the legislation as co-sponsors.

The American Civil Liberties Union and 50501, the group that organized the ICE protests, did not respond to requests for comment about the proposal.

Federal law defines rioting as "a public disturbance involving acts of violence." If Cruz's bill became law, it would allow the Justice Department to charge not just rioters but the leaders of activist groups that organize protests, should violence occur.

Cruz, along with President Donald Trump and other Republicans, have praised the protestors that stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 and attacked Capitol police as "patriots." He had earlier labelled the insurrection as a "violent terrorist attack" but backed off that assessment in 2022 following criticisms from conservatives including television host Tucker Carlson.