ICE Accuses Arizona Congresswoman of Joining “Rioting Crowd” During Immigration Raid

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has leveled serious accusations against Rep. Adelita Grijalva, D-Ariz., claiming she joined a “rioting crowd” and attempted to interfere with federal agents during a large-scale arrest operation in Tucson last week.

The allegations directly contradict Grijalva’s own account of the December 5 incident, in which she stated she was “pushed aside and pepper sprayed” while attempting to gather information as a member of Congress during the raid at Taco Giro, a local restaurant.

“During the operation, U.S. Representative Adelita Grijalva joined the rioting crowd and attempted to impede law enforcement officers, then took to social media to slander law enforcement by falsely claiming she was pepper sprayed,” ICE said in a statement Wednesday.

Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin quickly disputed Grijalva’s claims, saying, “If her claims were true, this would be a medical marvel. But they’re not true. She wasn’t pepper sprayed. She was in the vicinity of someone who was pepper sprayed as they were obstructing and assaulting law enforcement.”

The confrontation occurred during what ICE described as the culmination of a “multiyear investigation into a transnational criminal organization involved in labor exploitation, tax violations, and immigration violations.” The operation resulted in the arrest of 46 undocumented immigrants.

According to federal officials, approximately 100 protesters arrived at one of the locations being searched and the situation quickly deteriorated. “Agitators quickly turned violent, assaulting officers and slashing tires,” ICE stated in their report of the incident.

Grijalva took to social media platform X following the incident, describing Taco Giro as “a small mom-and-pop restaurant that has served our community for years.” In a separate post, she characterized ICE as a “lawless agency” that is “operating with no transparency, no accountability, and open disregard for basic due process.”

The raid highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement agencies and communities with significant immigrant populations. Tucson, situated just 60 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, has long been at the center of immigration policy debates.

Two protesters were arrested during the confrontation – one for allegedly assaulting a federal law enforcement officer and another for damaging a government vehicle. Two Homeland Security Investigation Special Response Team operators reportedly sustained injuries during the operation.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with protesters at one point using a bike lock to secure a gate, temporarily preventing federal agents from leaving the restaurant premises.

This incident comes amid a contentious national debate over immigration enforcement policies. The Biden administration has faced criticism from both sides of the political spectrum – from conservatives who argue for stricter enforcement and from progressives who seek more humane treatment of immigrants and greater accountability for enforcement agencies.

Confrontations between immigration authorities and protesters have become increasingly common across the country in recent years, reflecting deep divisions over immigration policy. Community advocates often argue that enforcement actions disrupt local economies and separate families, while federal officials maintain they are targeting criminal enterprises and enforcing existing laws.

Rep. Grijalva’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment on ICE’s accusations.

The dispute between a sitting member of Congress and federal law enforcement raises questions about oversight and accountability in immigration enforcement operations, particularly as they impact local communities with significant immigrant populations.