Federal authorities conducted searches at several Zipps Sports Grill locations across metro Phoenix on January 26 as part of an ongoing investigation led by the Department of Homeland Security. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Arizona confirmed that search warrants were executed at 15 sites, with notable closures at Park Central Mall, 32nd Street and Shea Boulevard, and 16th Street and Bethany Home Road. Authorities were seen departing the Park Central location with boxes of documents by early evening.
The operations are part of a “months-long criminal investigation” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. While specifics about the crimes being investigated were not disclosed, a protest ensued outside the Park Central Zipps, as demonstrators expressed concerns over what they believed to be an immigration-focused investigation. Signs at the protest displayed messages criticizing federal actions, including one that controversially mixed a Nazi flag with the U.S. flag.
Arizonans have been anticipating increased immigration enforcement, although it has not reached the heightened level witnessed in Minnesota, especially following the recent shooting death of a U.S. citizen by federal agents. This incident has sparked significant public outcry and raised further scrutiny over the tactics employed by federal authorities.
Masked agents from Homeland Security were reported outside a Zipps in Scottsdale. An employee at the Bethany Home location mentioned that all of the company’s restaurants had closed for the day due to the situation. Zipps Sports Grill is managed by Goldman Management Inc., which operates 14 locations in the Phoenix area. As of late evening, another establishment under Goldman Management, Goldie’s Sports Cafe in Scottsdale, was still open and unaffected.
The correlation between these raids and the national immigration crackdown remains unclear. However, the timing is notable as public support for this aggressive enforcement approach is wavering. High-profile incidents, including the controversial killing of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, whose actions were mischaracterized by officials, have intensified scrutiny and protests in various states.
This situation is still unfolding, and updates are expected as more information becomes available.