TUCSON, Ariz. — A significant law enforcement operation took place on December 5, as ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Arizona, in collaboration with various federal partners, executed 16 criminal federal search warrants targeting a network of nine restaurants and seven associated stash houses in Tucson and its surrounding areas. This operation was the culmination of a multiyear investigation into a transnational criminal organization accused of labor exploitation, tax violations, and immigration offenses.
During the operation, agents apprehended 46 individuals identified as illegal aliens, with several having prior arrests for serious offenses, including sexual assault and felony illegal re-entry. The investigation, which focused on human smuggling and trafficking linked to peonage, aimed to dismantle this criminal organization that was allegedly exploiting labor in the region.
As law enforcement carried out the operations, one particular location became the site of intense confrontation. Over 100 agitators arrived to disrupt the proceedings, locking a gate to confine the agents within the restaurant’s perimeter. The situation escalated when some individuals adopted a violent approach, physically assaulting officers and damaging law enforcement vehicles by slashing tires. A Special Response Team from HSI was deployed to restore order and counter the aggression from the crowd.
Amidst this chaotic scene, U.S. Representative Adelita Grijalva engaged with the protesters and attempted to interfere with law enforcement operations. Following the event, she took to social media, alleging that officers had pepper-sprayed her, a claim that has been disputed by law enforcement.
In the course of the disturbances, one individual was arrested for assaulting a federal officer, while another faced charges for damaging government property. Furthermore, two HSI Special Response Team operators sustained injuries during the clashes—one suffering a ruptured bicep and the other sustaining a knee injury. Both agents received medical treatment following the incident.
In addition to the arrests made during the operation, two U.S. citizens were apprehended for their roles in assaulting a federal officer, damaging a government vehicle, and obstructing law enforcement efforts. The United States Attorney’s Office has agreed to prosecute these individuals.
Acting Special Agent in Charge Ray Rede emphasized the operation’s importance in disrupting the criminal organization’s activities, stating, “This multiyear investigation that targeted TCOs alleged to be involved in human smuggling, human trafficking derived from peonage resulted in the shutdown of the restaurants. These enforcement actions have unequivocally disrupted this criminal organization’s ability to exploit our lawful labor and system of commerce. This agency will not stand for it and those seeking to continue such practices are on notice — there will be more enforcement operations in Arizona.”
HSI’s collaborative effort involved various agencies, including the IRS Criminal Investigation, Enforcement and Removal Operations, and U.S. Border Patrol. The targeted enforcement operation dismantled a criminal organization that had utilized a family-owned restaurant chain operating across Tucson, Sierra Vista, Green Valley, Casa Grande, and Apache Junction.
This investigation remains ongoing, with limited information available at this time. The Department of Homeland Security and ICE HSI reiterated their commitment to working with partners to protect the homeland, uphold the law, and safeguard the interests of American taxpayers.
