In a disturbing incident that has reignited tensions over immigration enforcement, demonstrators protesting against federal raids in Arizona were met with what appeared to be agents spraying them with an unknown substance from a moving vehicle. The confrontation occurred on Monday as crowds gathered on a sidewalk near a Zipps Sports Grill location in north Phoenix, responding to coordinated law enforcement actions across the city.
Chaotic Scene as Protesters Targeted
According to multiple reports, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), an agency operating under the Department of Homeland Security, conducted simultaneous raids at fifteen different Zipps restaurant locations throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. As federal agents departed one scene in an unmarked truck, an officer was seen rolling down a window and directing a spray toward the group of protesters assembled on the pavement.
The unidentified substance caused immediate distress, with demonstrators scrambling backwards and urgently rinsing their eyes with water. Photographs from the scene captured individuals desperately clearing their faces following the unexpected assault. The HSI presence had drawn more than two hundred protesters to the streets, with clips showing agitated crowds screaming at federal law enforcement to "get out of our neighborhood."
Official Statements and Ongoing Investigation
The US Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona confirmed on Monday that it was "in the process of serving federal search warrants at 15 locations throughout the Phoenix area." Officials described these actions as part of a "months-long criminal investigation" into felony violations of federal law, though specific details regarding the nature of the alleged offences remain undisclosed.
A statement from the office indicated that more information would be forthcoming as evidence was "gathered, reviewed and evaluated for charging as appropriate." It further emphasised that federal officials in Arizona remain "committed to protecting the public and the homeland, upholding the rule of law, and defending the interests of the American people."
Restaurant Chain and Political Response
Zipps, which operates fourteen locations across the Phoenix metropolitan area, acknowledged the raids in a separate statement but noted that federal officials had not "shared details regarding the nature of the investigation." The company stressed that no charges or allegations had been announced and confirmed their full cooperation with law enforcement.
Regarding the protests, the grill franchise stated: "We respect the right to peaceful expression and ask that everyone exercise caution and remain respectful of neighboring businesses, employees, and the surrounding community." One Tempe location was reopened on Wednesday morning following the disruptions.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, expressed awareness of the "federal law enforcement activity" and confirmed her office was "in contact with federal officials and still gathering information on the purpose and scope of the raid." In a post on social media platform X, Hobbs voiced frustration with "the Trump administration's lack of adequate notification when conducting high-profile enforcement activities."
Community Fear and Historical Context
Immigration attorney Juliana Manzanarez contextualised the events, stating: "Arizona has been here before, folks. We see what happens when fear-based enforcement is allowed to run unchecked." Her comments reflect deep-seated concerns within communities that have previously experienced aggressive immigration crackdowns.
Governor Hobbs referenced ongoing tensions in Minnesota, where two protesters were shot and killed by federal officers this month, stating: "I share the feelings of many Arizonans who are devastated by the horrific killing of protestors in Minnesota, and understand the fear and pain it has created in our communities."
Workers Detained and Local Business Concerns
Some Zipps workers caught up in the raids were reportedly detained and later released, according to local news outlet Axios. The operations have sparked significant anxiety among Phoenix-area restaurateurs about potential wider immigration enforcement actions.
Audrey D'Amore, pastry chef at Stoop Kid, told AZCentral: "We just don't know how bad it's going to get. Right now, it seems like they're targeting really big restaurants, and that's just going to trickle down the pipeline."
Jorge Picos, owner of Estero Beach Tacos, shared personal fears about racial profiling, stating: "You're sitting there feeling helpless because this may happen to you. I've already had to experience the questioning, the 'Can I see proper documentation?' I shouldn't have to carry my passport in my pocket."
It is important to note that Monday's raids were conducted by Homeland Security Investigations rather than Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), though the distinction provided little comfort to affected communities. The incident has raised serious questions about protest management, community relations, and the transparency of federal law enforcement operations in Arizona.
