Adelita Grijalva Claims She Was Pepper-Sprayed During Visit to Taco Joint ICE Raid

Arizona Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva shared a video on social media on Friday detailing an encounter with ICE agents during a raid at a small, family-owned Tucson restaurant. Grijalva stated that after identifying herself as a member of Congress, she was pushed and pepper-sprayed by the officers.

In her post, Grijalva wrote: ICE just conducted a raid at Taco Giro in Tucson a small mom-and-pop restaurant that has been part of our community for years. When I introduced myself as a Member of Congress seeking information, I was pushed aside and pepper-sprayed.

She described the scene: There were about 40 ICE agents, most masked, in multiple vehicles. Community members had blocked the street to prevent what they feared was an unlawful removal of individuals without due process.

Grijalva recounted her personal experience during the raid: This is a place I visit weekly. I was sprayed in the face by an aggressive agent and shoved by others, even though I wasnt being confrontational. I was simply asking questions, which is my right as a member of Congress. Only one agent attempted any civil communication; the rest were rude and disrespectful.

She further noted the impact on those present: We witnessed people being sprayed, including journalists and my staff. Remnants of the substance remain on us. This raises serious concerns about how others are treated during such operations.

Grijalva also commended the Tucson Police Department for responding after ICE left and restoring order, emphasizing that the police were not the aggressors. They ensured the communitys safety and cleared the street after the disruption, she said.

The lawmaker stressed the importance of her presence at the scene: I came to observe firsthand rather than relying on secondhand reports. Its crucial to protect the community and understand what is happening on the ground.

Grijalva, who secured her congressional seat earlier this summer, has been awaiting formal swearing-in amid a government shutdown. She recently played a key role in pushing for a House vote on a bill releasing the Epstein Files, which has now become law.

Grijalva concluded her social media post with: ICE conducted a raid at Taco Giro. When I identified myself as a Member of Congress seeking information, I was pushed aside and pepper-sprayed.

Author: Zoe Harrison