TUCSON, AZ — Representative Adelita Grijalva says she was pepper-sprayed during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in Southern Arizona on Friday morning.
ICE conducted search warrants at the Taco Giro restaurant location near Grande Avenue and Speedway Boulevard in Tucson.
On social media, Grijalva posted a video stating she was pushed aside and pepper-sprayed during the operation.
Watch the full video below:
ICE just conducted a raid by Taco Giro in Tucson - a small mom-and-pop restaurant that has served our community for years.
— Rep. Adelita Grijalva (@Rep_Grijalva) December 5, 2025
When I presented myself as a Member of Congress asking for more information, I was pushed-aside and pepper sprayed. pic.twitter.com/gPx0p3IXP2
The Department of Homeland Security released the following statement regarding Rep. Grijalva's claims:
“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. In fact, 2 law enforcement officers were seriously injured by this mob that Rep. Adelita Grijalva joined.
“Presenting one’s self as a “Member of Congress” doesn’t give you the right to obstruct law enforcement.
“More information forthcoming.”
ICE officials issued the following statement on today's arrests:
“Thanks to President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Force, HSI Arizona facilitated the arrest of 46 illegal aliens who were arrested at several residences and restaurants in southern Arizona this morning. HSI Arizona conducted the operation with several law enforcement partners to include the IRS, ERO, U.S. Border Patrol.
As of now, those arrested for administrative immigration violations include:
46 – illegal aliens from Mexico
The Homeland Security Task Force, co-led by the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi, is the first of its kind government task force that puts Americans first by coordinating with federal, state, and local partners to eradicate threats posed by transnational criminal organizations, cartels, and criminal illegal aliens. This is an ongoing investigation, information is limited.”
Mayor Regina Romero issued a statement following today's searches:
"Today, federal officers conducted a raid in Tucson that rapidly escalated into violence against the public. We share the fears in our community created by President Trump’s immoral and inhumane immigration policies.
"Under the Trump Administration, unidentified federal agents often intentionally wear clothing with vague words like “police” to purposefully confuse the public.
Their disproportionate use of force, smoke grenades and pepper balls against the public, including our own Representative Adelita Grijalva, is not justified and cannot be tolerated.
"Uniformed, clearly identified Tucson Police Department officers went to the scene to close the street and to keep our residents safe. They were not involved in the use of force against community members.
"We are committed to having a safe city where everyone’s rights are respected and legally enforced at all times. We encourage people with video or photographic information about today’s incident to keep it for potential investigation and follow-up.
Scripps News Tucson reached out to ICE for confirmation of the search. An ICE spokesperson responded with the following:
“Due to operational security, ICE does not confirm or discuss the existence or status of future operations. The agency publicly announces the results of operations when appropriate. As part of its routine operations, ICE arrests aliens who commit crimes and other individuals who have violated our nation’s immigration laws. All aliens in violation of U.S. immigration law may be subject to arrest, detention and, if found removable by final order, removal from the United States, regardless of nationality."
ICE later returned with further details of the investigation, explaining they are executing 16 search warrants across Southern Arizona alongside the IRS.
ICE said the warrants are related to immigration and tax violations.
While ICE confirmed multiple people were arrested, it is unclear how many people were taken into their custody.
This is a breaking news story. Stay with ABC15 for the latest updates.
