Feb 2, 2026 – Lisa Everett, www.patriotnheels.com
On Monday, January 26, 2026, federal immigration enforcement arrived in the Valley in a highly visible and coordinated operation. Agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), working alongside Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), executed 15 federal search warrants at Zipps Sports Grill locations across the Phoenix metropolitan area.
The operation followed a months-long federal criminal investigation and was authorized by a federal judge. While agents were carrying out their lawful duties, they were met at several locations by protesters who actively interfered with the execution of the warrants—leading to confrontations and, in at least one case, an injury that required medical transport.
What Happened
Federal agents served warrants at Zipps locations throughout Phoenix and Tempe. There were 36 people arrested and individuals were observed being detained, some with their hands zip-tied.
- Park Central (Central Avenue, Phoenix): Employees reported agents questioned staff and removed boxes of documents. No arrests were reported at this location.
- Tempe: News crews observed several employees detained.
- South Tempe (near Warner Road & McClintock Drive): Witnesses reported at least one injured individual, believed to be an employee, who was transported by ambulance.
One particularly troubling detail emerged from witness accounts: at least one location reportedly received a phone call 20 to 30 minutes before ICE arrived, giving staff time to prepare for the raid. It is not yet known how advance knowledge of the operation was obtained or who made the call—an issue that may itself become part of the investigation.
The Investigation
While formal charges have not yet been announced, information from the scene and preliminary reporting indicate the investigation involves serious felony violations of federal law, potentially including:
Labor & Immigration Felonies
- Harboring unauthorized workers
- Conspiracy to hire unauthorized aliens, often involving falsified I-9 forms
- Labor exploitation and possible human smuggling, including coercive working conditions
Financial & Tax Crimes
- Payroll tax evasion and paying workers “under the table”
- Money laundering through legitimate business operations
- Aggravated identity theft, including misuse of Social Security numbers
- Fraud, potentially involving federal programs or relief funds
HSI investigations are known for their complexity and multi-agency coordination, which helps explain the scale and precision of last Monday’s enforcement action.
Protests and Interference
What remains puzzling—and frankly alarming—is the shock expressed by some protesters when injuries occurred while they were physically interfering with federal agents executing judicially approved warrants. Please allow the agents to do their job.
These were not random sweeps. They were targeted actions based on evidence, reviewed and authorized by a federal judge. Interfering with search warrants or arrests is dangerous—not only for law enforcement, but for employees, bystanders, and protesters themselves.
Search warrants are not suggestions. They are legal orders backed by evidence, the courts, and federal authority. Protests that cross the line into obstruction escalate risk—and, as seen in Tempe, can end with someone in an ambulance.
It was concerning watching the video of protesters standing on a sidewals holding signs being sprayed with mace as ICE drove by in a vehicle. I believe this action is being investigated. As more details are released, the full scope ofthe investigation will become clearer.