Featured Image: People of Provo Against ICE at an anti-ICE protest on July 15, 2026 (Photo via Instagram).
Recordings published by The Cougar Chronicle reportedly capture leaders of a Provo-based anti-ICE organization discussing killing political opponents and their children, while a Democratic legislative candidate faces questions about his association with the group.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Leaked audio recordings reportedly capture leaders of a Utah anti-immigration enforcement organization discussing the killing of Republican politicians, their children and other perceived political opponents, along with proposals to subject supporters of President Donald Trump to ideological reeducation.
The recordings were published Wednesday, Oct. 21, on X by The Cougar Chronicle, a conservative student news publication covering Brigham Young University and Utah County.
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According to the publication’s investigation, the conversations involved Venna Anne and Ashton Hirschi, identified as leaders of People of Provo Against ICE (POPAI), an activist organization that opposes federal immigration enforcement.
The recordings have not been independently authenticated, and it remains unclear whether the remarks reflected actual plans or hypothetical discussions.
During one conversation, Anne reportedly discussed her ambitions before another participant observed, “You just can’t get away from capitalism.”
“No, unless we kill everybody,” Anne responded.
Hirschi reportedly suggested that killing “some” people would be sufficient, initially proposing “500.”
Anne then expanded the discussion to include the families of political opponents.
“You also have to kill their children and their [line of succession],” she said.
Hirschi responded, “We need to get the politicians.”
The conversation also addressed whether immigration enforcement personnel, politicians and wealthy individuals could be reintegrated into society following a hypothetical political transformation.
“If you’re talking about politicians or billionaires? No. Those f**kers gotta go. Period and point blank,” Hirschi reportedly stated.
Asked about “counter-revolutionaries or MAGA people,” Hirschi suggested that supporters of Trump’s political movement might be allowed to return to society under certain conditions.
“There’s a possibility for reintegration [into society]. It would have to come through reeducation.”
The recording circulated through an embedded X post has intensified scrutiny of POPAI following previous controversies involving messages and demonstrations associated with its members.
In August, The Cougar Chronicle published screenshots from POPAI’s Discord server showing members discussing stickers bearing the message “Shoot Trump, Be A Hero.”
The publication reported that participants encouraged distributing the stickers throughout Provo.
Additional recordings released Sept. 3 reportedly captured Utah Valley University Students for a Democratic Society leader Collin Grannis discussing plans to make entry into a memorial event for slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk “as uncomfortable as possible for people to get in.”
The September recording concerned protests planned around a Turning Point USA memorial at Utah Valley University.
The Cougar Chronicle subsequently identified activist Hector Mujica as the individual allegedly responsible for producing and distributing the anti-Trump stickers.
On Oct. 17, the publication reported Mujica’s detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, citing federal immigration records and local reporting.
The arrest followed earlier accounts of Mujica distributing the stickers at POPAI gatherings, where other participants allegedly praised the messages.
The organization’s activities have also become an issue in a Utah legislative election.
On Oct. 15, The Cougar Chronicle identified David Chappell, the Democratic candidate for Utah House District 62, as a participant in POPAI’s online discussions.
Chappell subsequently addressed his association with the group, stating on X that he was no longer a member of its Discord server and had not been active in the organization for “several months.”
However, The Cougar Chronicle reported obtaining screenshots showing Chappell participating in POPAI discussions as recently as Sept. 22.
“Sorry for my absence recently… know I plan on coming back to meetings after election day,” Chappell reportedly wrote.
The publication has questioned Chappell’s explanation and criticized his response to the controversies involving POPAI and Mujica.
Participation in an organization’s online discussions does not establish that an individual endorses violent statements attributed to other members. No evidence has been presented connecting Chappell to the newly released conversation about killing political opponents.
The allegations emerge amid continuing concerns about politically motivated threats and violence against public officials and activists.
The latest recordings contain explicit references to killing political opponents and children, although their authenticity, full context and whether participants intended to act on the statements remain unresolved.
No arrests or criminal charges directly connected to the newly published conversations have been announced.
The disclosures add to scrutiny of POPAI’s leadership, its association with local political organizations and the rhetoric used by some participants in discussions about immigration enforcement and political opposition.
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