A newly-elected US congresswoman has alleged she was pepper-sprayed in the face by federal agents during a chaotic law enforcement operation at an Arizona taco shop.
Congresswoman's Allegations and Conflicting Accounts
The incident occurred on Friday in Tucson, Arizona, during an operation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Democratic Representative Adelita Grijalva, who was sworn into Congress less than a month ago, took to social media to claim she was directly targeted.
"While I am fine, if that is the way they treat me, how are they treating other community members who do not have the same privileges and protections that I do?" Grijalva stated. She accused immigration enforcement officers of acting "without transparency or accountability."
However, federal officials have directly contradicted the congresswoman's account. They confirmed that Grijalva was not pepper-sprayed. Video evidence she later posted appears to show a man stepping in front of her to shield her as agents sprayed nearby protesters. The same footage shows a projectile landing near her foot as she walked in the street.
Chaotic Scenes and Official Response
The operation, part of a years-long investigation into immigration and tax violations, saw federal agents serve several search warrants across southern Arizona. At the Tucson restaurant, authorities used yellow tape to cordon off the building and its car park as boxes were removed.
By mid-morning, a group of protesters had gathered outside with signs and whistles. The situation escalated when some tried to prevent federal vehicles from leaving. Pepper spray was deployed, and federal tactical agents were called to extract investigative special agents from the area.
In a strongly worded statement, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described the gathering as a "mob." She revealed that two federal agents were seriously injured during the clash.
"Presenting one’s self as a 'Member of Congress' doesn’t give you the right to obstruct law enforcement," McLaughlin said, taking direct issue with Grijalva's version of events.
Aftermath and Political Context
Following the deployment of chemical munitions, federal agents requested emergency support from local Tucson police to help them exit the area. The police confirmed they did not make any arrests during the incident.
The event places a spotlight on Congresswoman Grijalva, who won a special election in September to fill the House seat last held by her late father. The confrontation underscores the ongoing tensions in the US surrounding federal immigration enforcement tactics and the role of elected officials in monitoring such operations.
