Arizona congresswoman alleges being pepper sprayed during federal operation

A federal law enforcement operation at a Tucson taco restaurant led to chaos on Friday, with agents deploying pepper spray as protesters attempted to obstruct the authorities. Two federal agents sustained injuries, and U.S. Representative Adelita Grijalva, who was nearby, alleged that she was sprayed in the face during the incident.

The Democratic congresswoman from Arizona expressed her concerns on social media, accusing immigration enforcement officers of lacking transparency and accountability. "Though I am unharmed, if this is how they treat me, how are they treating other members of the community who lack the same protections I have?" she stated.

Grijalva, who had only recently been sworn into Congress after winning a special election in September to fill the seat left by her late father, posted additional footage from the scene. In the video, a man steps in front of her, blocking her view as federal agents spray nearby protesters. Later, a projectile is seen landing near her foot.

Federal officials later refuted Grijalva's claims, stating that she was not pepper sprayed. According to the Department of Homeland Security, agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) were executing warrants as part of an ongoing probe into immigration and tax violations at several Tucson restaurants. This operation was part of a multi-year investigation.

On Friday morning, several search warrants were served across southern Arizona. Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, characterized the crowd in Tucson as a "mob" and voiced disapproval of Grijalva's version of events. She added, "Being a Member of Congress does not give someone the right to obstruct law enforcement."

Federal authorities cordoned off the restaurant and surrounding parking lot, removing boxes from the building. By midday, protesters had gathered outside, some waving signs and using whistles. When they attempted to prevent federal vehicles from leaving, several were hit with pepper spray.

The Tucson Police Department confirmed that federal tactical agents were called in to safely extract investigative agents from the protest area. After using chemical munitions to disperse the crowd, federal officials requested emergency assistance from local authorities to facilitate their exit. No arrests were made during the operation.