TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are in the parking lot of a restaurant on the westside of Tucson.
ICE and HSI are currently at the parking lot of Taco Giro near St. Mary’s Road and Grande Avenue.
Dozens of protesters are gathering nearby the restaurant.
ICE has provided a statement regarding the situation, saying:
“Special agents and officers from ICE Homeland Security Investigations and IRS joined by federal partners, are executing 16 search warrants in southern Arizona related to immigration and tax violations.
Multiple individuals are in custody.
As soon as the number is confirmed, we will share more details.
We appreciate your patience.”
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and Vice Mayor Lane Santa Cruz released a statement regarding the situation, saying:
“Today, federal officers conducted a raid in Tucson that rapidly escalated into violence against the public. We share the fears in our community created by President Trump’s immoral and inhumane immigration policies.
Under the Trump Administration, unidentified federal agents often intentionally wear clothing with vague words like “police” to purposefully confuse the public.
Their disproportionate use of force, smoke grenades and pepper balls against the public, including our own Representative Adelita Grijalva, is not justified and cannot be tolerated.
Uniformed, clearly identified Tucson Police Department officers went to the scene to close the street and to keep our residents safe. They were not involved in the use of force against community members.
We are committed to having a safe city where everyone’s rights are respected and legally enforced at all times. We encourage people with video or photographic information about today’s incident to keep it for potential investigation and follow-up.”
Stay with News 4 Tucson for updates.