PHOENIX - Homeland Security Investigations and several other agencies served 15 search warrants across the Phoenix area Monday afternoon at Zipps Sports Grill locations.
What we know:
The Jan. 26 operation is the result of a months-long criminal investigation and is "based on information presented to a federal judge and are being executed as part of a criminal investigation into felony violations of federal law."
There are a total of 15 Zipps locations in the Valley: 5 in Phoenix, 5 in Scottsdale, 1 in Glendale, 2 in Tempe, 1 in Chandler and 1 in Gilbert.
Customers at several Zipps Sports Grill locations across the Valley were ordered to leave in the middle of their meals as federal agents moved in to execute search warrants.
Witnesses described a sudden and heavy law enforcement presence at the restaurants. One customer, who had just finished eating, said officials entered the establishment and requested an immediate shutdown to investigate alleged identity theft. Agents then began taping off the parking lots to secure the scenes.
The federal operation quickly drew crowds of protesters to the area. Rep. Yassamin Ansari, who joined the demonstrators, linked the community’s reaction to broader national tensions.
"I think the community is feeling a lot of fear right now, especially in light of the murder that took place in Minnesota at the hands of ICE," Ansari said.
Ansari added that the diverse crowd reflected a unified stance against the agency's presence in the city.
"We have people here from all ages, all backgrounds, being very clear that we do not want ICE in Phoenix, nor do we need ICE in Phoenix," she said.
What is HSI?
HSI, the investigative branch of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), describes itself as "Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is a premier federal law enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). We shield our nation from global threats to ensure Americans are safe and secure."
What's next:
"Additional information will be forthcoming over the next few days as evidence is gathered, reviewed and evaluated for charging as appropriate," the news release said. "This is an ongoing investigation, and information is limited at this time. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, Homeland Security Investigations and other federal law enforcement entities in Arizona remain committed to protecting the public and the homeland, upholding the rule of law, and defending the interests of the American people."