Arizona Congresswoman Claims Pepper-Spray During ICE Clash

An Arizona congressperson, Adelita Grijalva, has publicly stated she was “sprayed in the face” during a heated protest against a federal immigration raid in Tucson last Friday. The incident unfolded outside Taco Giro, a “small mom-and-pop” Mexican restaurant that Grijalva frequents weekly.

Grijalva, a prominent progressive Democratic congressperson known for her sharp criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, recounted her experience in a video filmed shortly after the event. She explained that she joined a gathering of protesters who had assembled outside the eatery. Upon her arrival, Grijalva observed that the demonstrators had effectively “stopped” a squadron comprising dozens of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, most of whom were masked.

Confrontation at the Restaurant

The core concern driving the protest, according to Grijalva, was the fear among attendees that federal agents were “taking people without due process.” This apprehension quickly escalated into a chaotic standoff, captured in a second video shared via Grijalva’s official social media channels. The footage depicts federal agents in tactical gear facing off against protesters brandishing anti-ICE signs.

In the video, Grijalva can be seen approaching the officers, vocalizing her demand for them to “get out,” and visibly coughing. An agent, holding what appears to be a spray can, issues an order for the group to “get out of the way.” A clip from an alternative angle further shows a projectile landing behind Grijalva, subsequently releasing an aerosol mist near her feet as she moved towards an officer. Following the confrontation, Grijalva directly asserted her claim in writing: “When I presented myself as a Member of Congress asking for more information, I was pushed aside and pepper sprayed.”

DHS Disputes Allegations

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) swiftly issued a counter-statement, refuting the congresswoman’s account. Tricia McLaughlin, a DHS spokesperson, denied that immigration agents specifically targeted Grijalva. McLaughlin dismissed the congresswoman’s claims, stating, “If her claims were true, this would be a medical marvel. But they’re not true. She wasn’t pepper sprayed. She was in the vicinity of someone who was pepper sprayed as they were obstructing and assaulting law enforcement.”

Furthermore, McLaughlin alleged that two law enforcement officers sustained “seriously injured” during the clash with protesters. She emphasized the legal boundaries for public officials, adding, “Presenting one’s self as a ‘Member of Congress’ doesn’t give you the right to obstruct law enforcement.” The DHS spokesperson concluded her statement by promising “more information forthcoming” regarding the incident.

Fernando Burgos, a spokesperson for ICE, also provided a statement, though its full content was not immediately available. The conflicting narratives from Grijalva and federal authorities underscore the tension surrounding immigration enforcement and protest actions in the region.

Source: The Guardian