Asra Nomani's Pearl Project Investigates DSA's 'Professional Protest Industry' in Portland

Investigative journalist Asra Nomani has launched a probe into what she terms the "professional protest industry," specifically examining the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and their involvement in anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) demonstrations in Portland, Oregon. Nomani, known for her work with the Pearl Project, highlighted an incident where activists' "piercing sounds" disrupted a neighborhood, linking the group to broader networks and alleged political violence. Her investigation aims to meticulously document the operations of these organizations, commencing with their activities in Portland.

The Portland chapter of the DSA has actively participated in anti-ICE protests, notably during the 2018 "Occupy ICE" movement, which involved establishing encampments and blocking facility access. These demonstrations aimed to abolish the federal agency, with Portland DSA embracing direct action tactics as crucial for public discourse and policy influence. The group's base displayed a sign asserting, "DEMOCRACY HAS NOT SURVIVED CAPITALISM Defend Democracy! Depose the Oligarchy! Deny Defeatism! Join the DSA Democratic Socialists of America," as observed by Nomani.

Nomani characterizes the DSA as a "key player in the red-green-blue network" that supported figures like New York Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, a self-identified socialist and Muslim. This network, according to Nomani, extends to most urban neighborhoods, indicating a widespread presence. Her ongoing work seeks to map these connections and their influence across the country.

A significant aspect of Nomani's investigation involves allegations of "political violence" associated with these groups. She specifically cited conservative lawyer Harmeet Dhillon and journalist Andy Ngo, stating they "have faced off against their political violence." Ngo reported being physically attacked in Portland in June 2019 by individuals he identified as "Antifa black bloc and then the allies in the Democratic Socialists of America," an assault that resulted in a brain hemorrhage. Dhillon subsequently filed a lawsuit on Ngo's behalf against elements of Antifa, alleging racketeering and assault related to these incidents.

Through her Pearl Project, Asra Nomani is developing a comprehensive database to document the financial and operational structures of what she describes as a "professional protest industry." Her book, "Woke Army: The Red-Green Alliance That Is Destroying America's Freedom," argues that many seemingly organic protests are, in fact, "top-down political warfare" orchestrated by well-funded, politically aligned organizations. Nomani is actively seeking information on DSA-endorsed public officials to further expand this investigative database.