Protestors rally outside Zipps Sports Grill after DHS investigation, condemn ICE activity in Phoenix

PHOENIX — Community organizers and activists gathered outside a Zipps Sports Grill in Phoenix on Tuesday afternoon to demand an end to federal immigration raids.

Chants of “ICE out of Phoenix!” echoed throughout the gathering as organizers pressed for an end to large‑scale raids and for clearer communication from federal authorities about the purpose and scope of the investigation.

The demonstration came a day after Homeland Security Investigations carried out a large-scale operation, serving search warrants at more than a dozen locations across the Valley.

One of those locations was the Zipps Sports Grill near Osborn Road and Central Avenue where protesters rallied.

“ICE out of Phoenix!” shouted protestors who rallied outside a Zipps Sports Grill in Phoenix investigated by Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers yesterday.

🎙️ @heidi_hommel was at the scene today. Open the thread for more photos and videos. pic.twitter.com/AlrBYn41dD

— KTAR News 92.3 (@KTAR923) January 27, 2026

Federal agents executed warrants at 15 sites in total as part of a monthslong criminal investigation, though officials have not disclosed which businesses were targeted or what the probe involves.

What was the purpose of the rally outside Zipps Sports Grill?

One of the community leaders at the rally was immigration attorney Juliana Manzanarez, who said she was present during Monday’s DHS investigation.

“Those who spoke English were treated more respectfully, while those who did not speak English or had an accent described being treated more roughly,” Manzanarez told the crowd.

She said she witnessed chemical agents being deployed on bystanders.

Manzanarez and other community leaders, including Arizona Rep. Yassamin Ansari, said immigration raids create a climate of fear that extends far beyond the restaurant industry.

“I’m introducing legislation to drain ICE of its funding, of the $175 billion that they took away from your healthcare last year,” Ansari said.

Several prominent Arizonans spoke at the event, including U.S. @RepYassAnsari, who called for transparency from federal agencies, accountability for harmful enforcement practices and urgent congressional oversight as federal funding decisions approach. pic.twitter.com/YO2jfBkvEg

— KTAR News 92.3 (@KTAR923) January 27, 2026

Speakers described children afraid to attend school, employees hesitant to show up for work and entire neighborhoods unsettled by what they characterized as militarized tactics.

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