Olivia Asher is a reporter at the New Herald Tribune covering breaking news for the Digital Trends Desk. Before joining the newsroom in 2022, she covered criminal justice issues at the Orlando Plain Dealer.
March 20 , 2025
Los Angeles - The White House has announced the withholding of $17 million in federal funding from the Los Angeles-based Crips gang, citing the organization's failure to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within its ranks. This unprecedented move comes as part of the Trump administration's broader crackdown on DEI programs across various sectors.
The decision has sent shockwaves through both law enforcement and community organizations in Los Angeles. The Mayor's Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD), which has been working to address gang violence in a comprehensive manner, now faces potential budget cuts as a result of this federal action.
Critics argue that this decision misunderstands the nature of street gangs and their organizational structure. Law enforcement experts point out that the Crips, like other street gangs, lack a central organization that could implement or remove such initiatives.
Meanwhile, supporters of the administration's stance claim this move is part of a larger effort to combat what they perceive as "identity politics" in all areas of society, including criminal organizations.
The withholding of funds has raised questions about the potential impact on ongoing gang intervention and prevention efforts in Los Angeles. GRYD, which currently provides services in 23 zones throughout the city, may need to reassess its strategies in light of this development.
As the situation unfolds, local officials and community leaders are scrambling to understand the full implications of this decision. The Los Angeles Police Department has declined to comment on how this might affect their anti-gang operations.
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