Statement on Dec. 5 Immigration Raids in Tucson, Casa Grande, and Sierra Vista

Rural Arizona Engagement (RAZE) condemns today’s immigration enforcement operations that took place at multiple Taco Giro locations in Southern Arizona. These actions, including raids in Tucson, Casa Grande, and Sierra Vista, created fear, confusion, and harm for families and workers in our communities.

Taco Giro is a place where people gather, share meals, and feel at home. Seeing a beloved community space turned into a site of enforcement with masked agents has left many residents shaken and concerned about their safety.

We applaud Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva, as well as the volunteers who showed up prepared to report and document peacefully, for standing with our communities during today’s targeted raids. 

In moments like these, our greatest strength and power relies on our unity and our community. We will continue showing up for one another and protecting the places we call home. Vigils across Southern Arizona are being organized to pray for all impacted by the violence of ICE and other agencies. 

For information or assistance, community members can call our hotline: 520-607-0507.

“In our community, this is not what represents us. Today we experienced police and ICE activity at Taco Giro (Casa Grande). Trained volunteers were on the scene to report and document peacefully, but law enforcement and ICE were misleading and unprofessional. We are being lied to, sneaked up on, and targeted. This needs to stop. We demand respect and accountability. Our community is sad, angry, and very disappointed, but we will continue to work together to protect our pueblos.” - Lily Rivera, RAZE Immigration Organizer

“Community members in Cochise County have expressed deep frustration and disgust with ICE following the recent raids in our area. As a border county, people move between both sides daily, often multiple times a day. No one should be afraid to go to work or spend time with their loved ones simply because they live across a border. Our community deserves to feel safe and respected, no matter where they live or work. We demand transparency from ICE and insist that local resources are not used to support the unjustified harassment of our communities." - Tara Clayton, RAZE Cochise County Organizer

Hotlines:

Migra Watch  

480-506-7437

Primarily in Maricopa County 

Tucson Community Rapid Response 

520-221-4077

RAZE Rural Communities

520-607-0507

Flagstaff, Arizona

928-395-6330