New Democratic Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva of Arizona said she was pepper-sprayed in the face by a “very aggressive” U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent and pushed around as she asked questions about an ongoing “raid” on Friday in Tucson.
Newsweek reached out to ICE via email and Grijalva’s office via phone for additional comment.
Why It Matters
The incident raises questions about the conduct of federal agents toward elected officials and the use of force against both protesters and public representatives in the context of President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement initiatives.
The ICE operation in Tucson, Arizona, arrives amid a wider national debate on immigration policy, enforcement practices and community-police relations, especially under increased federal immigration efforts in multiple U.S. cities.
What To Know
In a video post to X on Friday, Grijalva said, “ICE just conducted a raid by Taco Giro in Tucson—a small mom-and-pop restaurant that has served our community for years. When I presented myself as a member of Congress asking for more information, I was pushed aside and pepper-sprayed.”
In an email to Newsweek on Friday regarding the incident, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said, “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,” McLaughlin said, adding, “More information forthcoming.”
Grijalva then posted a second video on X showing interactions with agents and can be heard saying “you need to get out” numerous times at them. Toward the end of the video, white smoke can be seen at the feet of Grijalva.
This is a developing story that will be updated with additional information.
