Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva Testifies to Being 'Pepper-Sprayed' by ICE Agents in Violent Confrontation at Tucson Protest
In a shocking incident that has sparked widespread outrage, Arizona Representative Adelita Grijalva claims she was "sprayed in the face" with pepper spray during a protest against an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Tucson. The alleged assault occurred outside Taco Giro, a local Mexican restaurant where Grijalva often visits.
According to eyewitness accounts, the protesters had gathered to voice their opposition to ICE's immigration policies and what they perceived as the lack of due process for those affected by these raids. As Grijalva joined the crowd, she said she was approached by federal agents in tactical gear who were executing 16 search warrants across southern Arizona.
"I literally was not being aggressive, I was asking for clarification, which is my right as a member of Congress," Grijalva stated after the incident, while still coughing from the alleged pepper spray attack. "I just can only imagine if they're going to treat me like that, how they're treating everybody else."
The altercation escalated quickly, with federal agents reportedly firing smoke grenades and using pepper balls against protesters. Witnesses described a chaotic scene in which projectiles were fired at protesters, including one projectile that landed behind Grijalva.
Responding to the incident, officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed that immigration agents' actions were not aimed directly at Grijalva. However, they acknowledged that two law enforcement officers were seriously injured during the clash.
Grijalva's allegations have sparked fierce condemnation from local officials and Democrats in Congress, who are denouncing the use of pepper spray against a sitting member of Congress as "outrageous," "absolutely unacceptable," and "disgraceful."
The incident has raised serious questions about the tactics employed by ICE agents during immigration enforcement operations. As Grijalva pointed out, if federal agents can fire pellets directly at a Member of Congress, how much more severe will they be when facing defenseless community members.
The DHS spokesperson's assertion that Grijalva was not actually pepper-sprayed has been met with skepticism by many, who argue that the damage to her eyes and lungs from the alleged incident is undeniable.
In response to widespread criticism, officials from the Tucson police department praised their handling of the situation. However, local Democrats have emphasized the need for a full investigation into the incident and the use of excessive force by ICE agents.
As tensions continue to rise over immigration enforcement policies, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities.
In a shocking incident that has sparked widespread outrage, Arizona Representative Adelita Grijalva claims she was "sprayed in the face" with pepper spray during a protest against an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Tucson. The alleged assault occurred outside Taco Giro, a local Mexican restaurant where Grijalva often visits.
According to eyewitness accounts, the protesters had gathered to voice their opposition to ICE's immigration policies and what they perceived as the lack of due process for those affected by these raids. As Grijalva joined the crowd, she said she was approached by federal agents in tactical gear who were executing 16 search warrants across southern Arizona.
"I literally was not being aggressive, I was asking for clarification, which is my right as a member of Congress," Grijalva stated after the incident, while still coughing from the alleged pepper spray attack. "I just can only imagine if they're going to treat me like that, how they're treating everybody else."
The altercation escalated quickly, with federal agents reportedly firing smoke grenades and using pepper balls against protesters. Witnesses described a chaotic scene in which projectiles were fired at protesters, including one projectile that landed behind Grijalva.
Responding to the incident, officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed that immigration agents' actions were not aimed directly at Grijalva. However, they acknowledged that two law enforcement officers were seriously injured during the clash.
Grijalva's allegations have sparked fierce condemnation from local officials and Democrats in Congress, who are denouncing the use of pepper spray against a sitting member of Congress as "outrageous," "absolutely unacceptable," and "disgraceful."
The incident has raised serious questions about the tactics employed by ICE agents during immigration enforcement operations. As Grijalva pointed out, if federal agents can fire pellets directly at a Member of Congress, how much more severe will they be when facing defenseless community members.
The DHS spokesperson's assertion that Grijalva was not actually pepper-sprayed has been met with skepticism by many, who argue that the damage to her eyes and lungs from the alleged incident is undeniable.
In response to widespread criticism, officials from the Tucson police department praised their handling of the situation. However, local Democrats have emphasized the need for a full investigation into the incident and the use of excessive force by ICE agents.
As tensions continue to rise over immigration enforcement policies, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities.
I'm lowkey shook by this story 
. Adelita Grijalva's account sounds super believable 
. ICE agents in tactical gear just showing up at a protest and spraying people with pepper spray is wild 
. What even is the protocol here? 
And 2 law enforcement officers get seriously injured? 
That's not right 
. We need to know what's going on behind these scenes 
. Can't just sweep this under the rug or blame it on 'chaos' 
. I mean, Congresswoman Grijalva was just trying to do her job and represent her constituents, but she got met with pepper spray?! That's not only wrong, it's a clear abuse of power. ICE agents should be protecting people, not hurting them 
. And what's even more disturbing is that they're saying she wasn't directly targeted... like, how can we trust them when we see the video footage and eyewitness accounts?! 
The fact that local officials are already calling for an investigation and condemning the use of pepper spray as "outrageous" just shows us that something needs to change ASAP 
. The fact that ICE agents were firing projectiles at protesters, including a projectile that landed behind Grijalva, is just crazy 
. We need to know more about what really happened here and hold these agents accountable 
. This incident highlights the deep distrust and fear that many communities have towards ICE and other immigration enforcement agencies 
. It's time for real change and for our leaders to take a stand against this kind of brutality 
ICE needs to get its act together, ya know? Pepper spray on Congresswoman Grijalva? That's just wild 
. Grijalva's right, if they can do that to her, how are they treating the rest of us? 
: screenshot from NBC News
how can that be right?! these are public servants not enemies 
anyway i feel for adelita she's been speaking truth to power and now this is the payback she gets 
!!! This is absolutely ridiculous! Adelita Grijalva was just standing there peacefully, asking questions, and what does she get? A face full of pepper spray! That's not a protestor, that's a human being! How can you justify such brutal treatment? 
.
42% of respondents believe that Grijalva's account is believable, while 56% do not. What are your thoughts on this incident? Share your opinions! 
I'm reading all these comments about Adelita Grijalva being pepper-sprayed at that protest and it's like déjà vu for me 
And then they have the nerve to say it was an accident?