PHOENIX — Multiple Zipps Sports Grill locations around the Valley were raided on Monday by agents with Homeland Security, resulting in dozens of arrests.
ABC15 crews spotted agents at multiple restaurant locations, followed by several protests.
According to a statement from HSI, it's part of a months-long criminal investigation with other federal partners.
WATCH: [viewer discretion is advised]: Federal agents issue warrants at multiple locations
Agents were there to serve federal search warrants at 15 locations across the Valley. HSI did not provide the exact locations; however, ABC15 was able to confirm agents present at most of the Zipps locations in the Valley.
HSI says search warrants were authorized based on information presented to a federal judge and were executed as part of a criminal investigation into felony violations of federal law.
On Wednesday, a spokesperson with ICE said nearly three dozen people accused of being in the country illegally were arrested. They also clarified that the investigation is focused on unlawful employment, identity theft and document fraud.
Deputies with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office were seen at a location in Tempe. MCSO says deputies were there to "assist ICE by keeping the peace 'only' during one of their operations."
An ABC15 crew at the Tempe location witnessed at least three people handcuffed with zip ties and put into a van. It's not clear where they were taken.
RELATED: Phoenix PD addresses concerns over presence of ICE, other federal agencies
Dozens of protesters could be seen at the location on Central Avenue and Osborn Road. Later in the evening, more protests were seen at the Camelback and Miller roads location.
WATCH: Valley organizers call for "end to ICE raids" following federal enforcement at Zipps
Scottsdale police later confirmed one person was arrested during the protests at the Camelback and Miller roads location. Police say the man, who has not been named, was booked into jail on charges including aggravated assault on an officer, disorderly conduct, and failure to obey an officer. The man reportedly assaulted a Scottsdale officer, but no serious injuries were reported.
People who live in Scottsdale have reached out to ABC15 with questions. Many want to know what the response is from city leaders.
"I’m shocked, because that’s a well-known restaurant in our community," Mayor Lisa Borowsky told ABC15 in an exclusive interview. "I was very surprised. I heard from one of the employees as it was being initiated, and of course they were extremely concerned."
Hear more from Scottsdale Mayor Borowsky in the player below:
Mayor Borowsky said she reached out to federal authorities, and she has been told new information will be forthcoming soon.
Some residents, like Bernice Medina, who says her dad and brother were detained Monday, are wondering what it will mean for the Scottsdale community if federal operations amp up.
"It's a very complicated issue," Mayor Borowsky said. "We have a lot of work to do to identify how to really tackle this issue."
The Mayor says moving forward, any federal operations in Scottsdale must balance public safety with a humane approach.
"I feel for the individuals that are affected by this," she said. "I know the community is very upset."
On Tuesday, Governor Katie Hobbs responded to the raids:
I am aware of federal law enforcement activity at Zipps locations last night. I share the feelings of many Arizonans who are devastated by the horrific killing of protestors in Minnesota, and understand the fear and pain it has created in our communities.
— Governor Katie Hobbs (@GovernorHobbs) January 27, 2026
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Below is a list of locations where federal agents were spotted:
-Central and Osborn Road
-Miller and Scottsdale Road
-32nd Street and Shea Boulevard
-University and Mill Avenue
-32nd Street and Indian School
-64th Street and Greenway
-Camelback and Miller Road
-16th Street and Bethany Home Road
-Warner Road and McClintock Drive
Scottsdale PD provided this statement Tuesday about the four executed warrants in their city:
"On January 26, 2026, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), in coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), executed 15 federal judiciously issued search warrants across the Phoenix metropolitan area. Four of those locations were within the City of Scottsdale. The warrants are part of a large-scale federal criminal investigation involving a local restaurant chain.
The Scottsdale Police Department was notified of this activity as a courtesy by federal authorities. Upon notification, Scottsdale PD marshalled resources to ensure we were prepared to respond to any situation that could impact public safety, including potential unrest or other activity that could threaten the safety and security of our community.
Scottsdale PD did not participate in the investigation and was not asked to assist with the service of the federal search warrants within the city. Our role was limited to readiness and public safety preparedness only. We were there to protect the federal agents, the public, and preserve the peace while the judicial warrants were served.
We appreciate the notification from our federal partners, which allowed us to take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of residents, employees, and visitors while this activity occurred.
For additional information regarding the investigation, inquiries should be directed to the Department of Homeland Security."
Zipps Sports Grill sent ABC15 the following statement Tuesday:
"Zipps Sports Grill is aware that federal authorities executed court-authorized search warrants at a number of our locations on January 26, as part of an ongoing investigation.
Federal officials have not shared details regarding the nature of the investigation, and no charges or allegations have been announced.
We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and working closely with our attorneys to understand the scope of the inquiry.
Because this is an active matter, we are unable to comment further at this time.
Zipps Sports Grill locations are currently closed, but we are working to reopen by the end of the week. We will notify our customers as soon as we resume normal operations.
Over the past 24 hours, some individuals have gathered near our locations to demonstrate. We respect the right to peaceful expression and ask that everyone exercise caution and remain respectful of neighboring businesses, employees, and the surrounding community."
No other details have been provided.
