ICE Agents Pepper-Spray Rep. Grijalva During Restaurant Raid

Representative Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.), who assumed office only last month, was reportedly subjected to pepper spray by armed and masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers during a raid at a restaurant where demonstrators had gathered.

Grijalva stated that she clearly identified herself as a member of Congress when approached by the agents.

I was present at the scene and was sprayed directly in the face by an aggressive agent, while being jostled by others, despite not acting aggressively. I was merely seeking clarification, which is my right as a legislator, Grijalva explained in a video shared on her social media.

She added that her staff and journalists present were also affected by the pepper spray, and that two individuals were taken into custody during the operation.

House Democratic leaders denounced the incident, calling it a disgraceful and cowardly act by agents representing a disgraceful and cowardly administration.

The statement further criticized the administration, saying that instead of addressing the cost of living and economic issues, ICE used military-level force against a small business and pepper-sprayed a member of Congress.

The Democratic leadership emphasized that Grijalva acted fully within her rights to be at the location, ask questions, and advocate for her community, while ICE officers reacted with unnecessary violence. They declared the actions unwarranted, un-American, and unacceptable, urging accountability for the agents and their superiors.

Grijalva recently won a special election to succeed her father, former Representative Ral Grijalva (D-Ariz.), and was sworn into Congress last month.

Author: Noah Whitman