DHS Responds to Rep. Grijalva’s Claims of Pepper Spray Incident

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) pushed back on accusations from Arizona Democratic Representative Adelita Grijalva regarding her treatment during an immigration raid in Tucson.

In a social media post, Grijalva stated that she was “pushed around and pepper-sprayed” after revealing her congressional identity while seeking details from an officer during a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation near Taco Giro, a local family-owned restaurant.

“ICE recently raided Taco Giro, which has served our community for many years,” she noted. “When I identified myself as a member of Congress and asked for clarification, I was pushed away and pepper sprayed.”

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin quickly refuted Grijalva’s account, asserting that she was not directly sprayed but was merely “close to someone who was sprayed,” which, in her view, was inaccurate. “If her claims were accurate, it would be a medical marvel,” McLaughlin remarked. “But that’s not the case. She was near someone who was pepper sprayed while they were impeding and assaulting law enforcement.”

McLaughlin stated that two officers were “severely injured” during the incident. She added, “Claiming to be a ‘member of Congress’ doesn’t allow you to obstruct law enforcement.” Details will follow, she mentioned.

This situation also led the Congressional Progressive Caucus, consisting of around 100 Democrats, to demand a congressional investigation.

Vice Chair Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) condemned the incident, labeling it a “disgusting act of violence” against Grijalva and cautioning that it signals “a dangerous time for American democracy.”

The controversy arose a day after DHS reported that at least 12 individuals were arrested for criminal illegal immigration during Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis, which included “child sex offenders, domestic abusers, and violent gang members.”

McLaughlin asserted, “ICE will locate, apprehend, and deport all criminal illegal aliens, irrespective of time or place.”

DHS and Grijalva have yet to respond to requests for further comments.