Agents with Homeland Security Investigations carried out targeted enforcement operations at multiple Tucson restaurants early Friday morning, part of a years-long investigation into immigration and tax violations, federal officials said.
One of the raids at a Taco Giro restaurant at 610 N. Grande Ave., in Barrio Hollywood on Tucson’s west side, resulted in a clash between federal agents and protesters.
The restaurant and parking lot were blocked off by yellow tape Friday morning. Agents were seen removing boxes, apparently containing paperwork, from the restaurant as protesters and community organizers gathered at the scene.
Witnesses reported seeing scores of federal agents and a helicopter along Grande Avenue near West St. Mary’s Road starting about 6 a.m. Friday. Multiple restaurant workers who live near the restaurant were arrested at their home, according to a neighbor who said he witnessed the arrests.
People are also reading…
The raids were part of a larger operation, including 16 search warrants, carried out in Southern Arizona Friday morning, according to an emailed statement from Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Fernando X. Burgos.
Immigration enforcement activity at Taco Giro on Grande Avenue.
Video by Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star
“Special agents and officers from ICE Homeland Security Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigation, and other federal partners, are executing 16 search warrants in southern Arizona as part of a years-long investigation into immigration and tax violations. Multiple individuals are in custody,” the Friday statement said. “As soon as the number is confirmed, we will share more details.”
By mid-morning Friday, protesters and community organizers had gathered at Taco Giro on Grande, blowing whistles and holding signs outside the restaurant’s parking lot, where multiple agents and vehicles were waiting.
Some protesters, and journalists covering the HSI operation, were hit by pepper spray as DHS vehicles attempted to leave the parking area after 11 a.m.
Witnesses say at least one protester was arrested. The Tucson Police Department has not yet responded to the Arizona Daily Star’s request for confirmation of whether local police made any arrests.
HSI agents on Friday also were at the Taco Giro location at 2750 W. Valencia Rd., on the city’s southwest side near South Cardinal Avenue.
Immigration enforcement activity at Taco Giro on Grande Avenue.
Video by Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star
Agents there would not share details on the operations, nor identify themselves, directing media to an ICE spokesman.
Contact reporter Emily Bregel at ebregel@tucson.com. On X, formerly Twitter: @EmilyBregel
Be the first to know
Get local news delivered to your inbox!
