Grijalva claims she was pepper-sprayed by 'very aggressive' ICE officer during Tucson raid

Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.) reported on Friday that a "highly aggressive" Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer used pepper spray on her during a raid in Tucson, Arizona. Grijalva explained that local community members had blocked about 40 ICE officers, most of whom were wearing masks, on a street near a small, family-owned restaurant called Taco Giro. The community members acted out of concern, fearing the agents were detaining people without due process.

In a video shared on the X platform, Grijalva described the encounter, stating, I was here this is like the restaurant I come to literally once a week and was sprayed in the face by a very aggressive agent, pushed around by others, when I literally was not being aggressive. I was simply asking for clarification, which is my right as a member of Congress.

ICE conducted early-morning raids across several Tucson restaurants on Friday. The operation resulted in several people being taken into custody, as confirmed by an ICE spokesperson in a public statement.

Grijalva later released a statement noting that her staff had also been subjected to being pushed and pepper-sprayed. While I am fine, if this is how they treat me, how are they treating other community members who dont have the same protections and privileges? she said in the release.

She continued her condemnation of ICE, calling the agency lawless and voicing broader criticisms voiced by many Democrats regarding the Trump administration's more aggressive immigration enforcement actions. These raids, which have taken place across the country in locations like Chicago and California have led to conflicts between ICE agents and protestors concerned about the detainment of local residents.

ICE has become a lawless agency under this Administration operating with no transparency, no accountability, and a blatant disregard for basic due process, Grijalva said. No family in our community should have to live in fear, and I will not stop fighting until we have clear answers and accountability.

Author: Ethan Caldwell