DHS, ICE push back after Rep. Adelita Grijalva says she was ‘pushed aside and pepper sprayed’ during Tucson ICE raid
On Dec. 5, 2025, Rep. Adelita Grijalva says federal agents pepper-sprayed her during an ICE raid outside Taco Giro in Tucson, part of a multi-site enforcement operation targeting immigration and tax violations across southern Arizona.
- Congressional confrontation: Rep. Adelita Grijalva says she was identified and then “pushed aside and pepper sprayed” while seeking information at the scene.
- Federal response: DHS and ICE say pepper spray was used as a crowd-control measure to clear people blocking vehicles during a lawful operation.
- Multi-agency raid: The Taco Giro site was one of 16 search warrants served in southern Arizona in an operation that included IRS criminal investigators.
- Community concerns: Local officials, civil‑rights groups and witnesses called for transparency and investigations into the use of force.
What happened at Taco Giro
Multiple outlets and on‑the‑ground reporters documented a heavy federal presence outside Taco Giro near Grande Avenue and Speedway Boulevard. Photos show officers wearing marked “ICE” and “Police HSI” gear. Witnesses and Rep. Grijalva say community members gathered and blocked the street to stop vehicles they believed were taking people without due process.
Reporters described a visible, cloud‑like spray used by officers that affected bystanders, including members of Grijalva’s staff. Local reporting noted at least two arrests at the Taco Giro site and that community members did not immediately know where detainees were taken. For more on the multi-site operation, see multi-site operation (The Arizona Republic/azcentral).
Grijalva’s account
Rep. Adelita Grijalva, a Democrat representing parts of Tucson, said she and staff were walking to lunch when they encountered the raid. She says she identified herself as a member of Congress and asked where people taken by federal agents were being held. In a video shared online, Grijalva says an agent “pushed aside and pepper sprayed” her in the face while she sought information.
“They pushed me aside and pepper‑sprayed my face while I was asking where people were being taken,” Grijalva said in posted video.
Grijalva framed the raid as part of strict enforcement that leaves immigrant communities afraid and uncertain about their rights. Local reports captured community members and staff complaining of exposure to the irritant.
DHS and ICE response
Federal officials initially released a brief statement citing operational security. After video circulated, DHS and ICE issued firmer rebuttals, saying identifying oneself as a lawmaker does not permit obstructing an enforcement action. Officials said agents deployed pepper spray to clear people who were blocking vehicles and interfering with the lawful execution of search and arrest warrants.
ICE described the chemical irritant as a crowd‑control measure tied to officer safety. For federal statements and local reporting, see ABC15.
On‑the‑ground reporting and video evidence
Journalists from Arizona Luminaria and other outlets photographed agents labeled “ICE” and “Police HSI” and recorded video of a visible cloud of irritant moving through the crowd. Clips captured Grijalva identifying herself and requesting information; audio in some clips includes an agent saying something that sounded like “assault on a federal officer,” though audio clarity varies.
Reporters and witnesses said multiple community members, including Grijalva’s staff, reported exposure to pepper spray; early coverage reported no serious injuries.
Local government and police reaction
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and Vice Mayor Lane Santa Cruz released a joint statement condemning what they called a rapid escalation into “violence against the public.” They urged residents with photos or video to preserve evidence for investigations and stressed that Tucson Police were present only to manage traffic and crowd safety.
Tucson Police Captain Dominic Flores said TPD later responded to protests at the ICE field office and that TPD officials did not use force during the initial Taco Giro incident. TPD noted federal agents again used pepper spray later from inside a fenced lot.
Scope of the federal operation
ICE confirmed the Taco Giro location was one of 16 search warrants served across southern Arizona the morning of Dec. 5. The operation included IRS criminal investigators and targeted suspected immigration and tax violations. ICE acknowledged multiple arrests but did not specify numbers or detailed charges in initial statements; witnesses and Grijalva reported at least two arrests at Taco Giro.
Political and legal questions
The incident quickly became a flashpoint over the boundaries between congressional oversight and law‑enforcement authority. Grijalva says her duty includes observing federal activity and protecting constituents; DHS and ICE say agents must be able to perform operations without interference and that safety concerns justified the crowd‑control response.
Civil‑rights and immigrant‑advocacy groups called for investigations into the use of pepper spray on a sitting member of Congress and on peaceful community members. Local leaders demanded transparency about the operation and its targets.
Investigations and next steps
City leaders urged anyone with video or photos to preserve them for possible probes. Civil‑rights groups requested reviews by internal affairs and the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. As of early reporting, no formal federal or congressional inquiry had been announced; news outlets continued seeking additional ICE and DHS comment on arrests, detainee identities, and the sequence that led to pepper‑spray use.
Implications for San Diego, California
This Tucson incident holds several implications for San Diego leaders and residents:
- Public safety and policing: Watch how federal agencies coordinate with local police during multi‑agency immigration operations to reduce bystander risk.
- Congressional oversight: Lawmakers representing border communities may press for clearer rules and timely briefings from DHS when constituents are affected.
- Community fear and services: Immigrant communities may avoid public services; outreach and reassurance from local officials and nonprofits are important.
- Politics and campaigning: Immigration enforcement can become a campaign issue; calls for transparency may find bipartisan support among voters who favor clear rules.
- Legal and civil‑rights services: Advocates may prepare for increased demand for legal help and documentation support; cross‑jurisdictional findings could influence filings in California.
Points of agreement and dispute
Reporters and officials agree a federal immigration and tax enforcement operation occurred, that Rep. Grijalva was on site and identified herself, and that a chemical irritant was used on the crowd. They disagree on whether the crowd’s actions were peaceful protest or unlawful obstruction and whether the use of force was justified.
DHS/ICE say the spray cleared people who blocked vehicles and threatened safety; Grijalva and local leaders say federal force was excessive and harmed people trying to help neighbors.
Sources and reporting
This story draws on reporting from Times Media Service and local outlets, including links below. Preserve original links for reference:
- The Arizona Republic/azcentral — https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/immigration/2025/12/05/rep-adelita-grijalva-says-she-was-pepper-sprayed-during-an-ice-raid/87629096007/
- ABC15 — https://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/rep-adelita-grijalva-pepper-sprayed-during-ice-operation-in-southern-arizona-friday-morning
- Arizona Luminaria — https://azluminaria.org/2025/12/05/tucson-immigration-raid-pepper-spray-adelita-grijalva/
- KJZZ — https://www.kjzz.org/fronteras-desk/2025-12-05/rep-grijalva-says-ice-pepper-sprayed-her-during-raid-at-arizona-restaurant
- KYMA — https://kyma.com/news/top-stories/2025/12/05/arizona-representative-pepper-sprayed-during-tucson-ice-raid/
(Reporting from Tucson. Times Media Service)
