DHS responds to Democratic lawmaker's allegations of being 'pushed aside and pepper sprayed' during ICE raid

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) addressed claims made by Arizona Democratic Representative Adelita Grijalva, who stated she was pepper sprayed during an immigration enforcement action in Tucson.

Grijalva posted on X that she was "pushed aside and pepper sprayed" after identifying herself as a member of Congress while attempting to gather information from officers during a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation near the Taco Giro restaurant.

"ICE conducted a raid at Taco Giro, a longstanding local eatery," Grijalva wrote. "When I introduced myself as a Member of Congress seeking details, I was pushed aside and pepper sprayed."

In another post, she criticized ICE as a "lawless agency" acting without transparency or accountability and disregarding basic due process.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin refuted these claims, stating that Grijalva was not directly sprayed but was merely near someone who was. "If her claims were true, this would be a medical marvel," McLaughlin commented. "She was in the vicinity of someone being pepper sprayed while obstructing and assaulting law enforcement."

McLaughlin also confirmed that two officers were "seriously injured" during the incident. "Two law enforcement officers were seriously harmed by the mob that [Grijalva] joined," she added. "Being a member of Congress does not authorize obstructing law enforcement. More information will follow."

The incident triggered calls from the Congressional Progressive Caucus, which represents nearly 100 Democratic lawmakers, for a congressional investigation. Representative Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., called the situation "a disgusting display of violence" and warned it signals "a dangerous moment for American democracy."

The confrontation occurred shortly after DHS announced the arrest of at least a dozen criminal illegal immigrants, including individuals involved in child sexual abuse, domestic violence, and gang activity, during Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis.

"ICE will continue to identify, arrest, and deport all criminal illegal aliens, regardless of time or location," McLaughlin stated.

Author: Sophia Brooks