A stunned Tucson community erupted in outrage as newly sworn-in Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.) claimed she was pepper-sprayed in the face by masked ICE agents during a chaotic raid on beloved local taco restaurant Taco Giro on December 5, 2025. Grijalva, identifying herself as a congresswoman seeking information, said she was “pushed around” and sprayed by an “aggressive” officer while protesters blocked vehicles at the mom-and-pop spot in a historic Latino neighborhood.h

Outrage in Tucson: Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva Claims Pepper Spray Incident During ICE Raid

A stunned Tucson community erupted in outrage as newly sworn-in Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.) claimed she was pepper-sprayed in the face by masked ICE agents during a chaotic raid on beloved local taco restaurant Taco Giro on December 5, 2025. Grijalva, identifying herself as a congresswoman seeking information, said she was “pushed around” and sprayed by an “aggressive” officer while protesters blocked vehicles at the mom-and-pop spot in the historic Barrio Hollywood Latino neighborhood.

The incident occurred amid a multi-site Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operation targeting Taco Giro locations across southern Arizona, part of a years-long probe into alleged immigration, tax, and labor exploitation violations. Federal agents executed 16 warrants, arresting 46 individuals—mostly Mexican nationals and restaurant employees. Protesters gathered quickly at the Grande Avenue site, chanting slogans and briefly locking agents in the parking lot with a bike lock, prompting agents to deploy pepper spray, pepper balls, flash-bangs, and tear gas.

Grijalva, en route to lunch with staff, arrived on scene, posted videos on X, and stated: “When I presented myself as a Member of Congress asking for more information, I was pushed aside and pepper sprayed.” Videos showed agents in tactical gear and masks dispersing crowds, with Grijalva in proximity; journalists and bystanders were also affected.

The Department of Homeland Security denied directly targeting Grijalva, stating she was near individuals obstructing and assaulting officers, and that two agents were seriously injured. Tucson Police assisted with traffic but denied using force. City leaders condemned the “disproportionate” tactics.

The raid led to indefinite closures of several Taco Giro outlets due to staff losses. As a freshman congresswoman (sworn in November 2025 after succeeding her late father Raúl Grijalva), the episode amplified debates over ICE transparency and community trust in immigrant-heavy districts.