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a federal law enforcement operation Arizona A clash broke out at a taco shop Friday, with agents using pepper spray when a group of protesters tried to stop officers.
Two agents were injured, and U.S. Representative Adelita Grijalva was nearby when protesters were sprayed. democratic The Arizona congresswoman claimed on social media that her face was sprayed and accused immigration enforcement officials of acting without transparency or accountability.
“Even though I’m fine, if they treat me like this, how are they treating other members of the community who don’t have the same privileges and protections as I do?” she said in a statement.
Less than a month ago, Grijalva was sworn in as the newest member CongressHe won a special election in September to fill his late father’s House seat last fall,
Another video posted by Grijalva on social media shows a man approaching her, raising his hand and pushing the congresswoman away as a federal agent sprays nearby protesters. Later in the video, as Grijalva continues walking down the street, a projectile is seen falling near his leg.
Federal officials confirmed that Grijalva was not pepper sprayed and that Homeland Security Investigations agents were targeting multiple people tucson restaurant as part of a years-long investigation into immigration and tax violations. Multiple search warrants were executed in southern Arizona on Friday as part of the operation.
In a statement, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary of State Tricia McLaughlin described the group gathered in Tucson as a mob. He said two agents were seriously injured during the clash and took issue with Grijalva’s statement.
“Representing yourself as a “member of Congress” does not give you the right to obstruct law enforcement,” McLaughlin said.
Authorities used yellow tape to cordon off the restaurant and its parking lot as agents removed boxes from the building early Friday. By mid-morning, protesters had gathered outside with signs and whistles. Some in the group were attacked with pepper spray as they tried to prevent federal vehicles from leaving the area.
Tucson police said federal tactical agents responded to clear investigative special agents from the area where protesters had gathered. After the chemical weapons were deployed, federal agents requested emergency assistance from local authorities to help evacuate the area, police said.
Tucson police made no arrests.