Anti-ICE activists are mobilizing over anticipated immigration raids across Phoenix this week.
One encounter has already turned violent.
On Tuesday, anti-ICE activists assaulted police during what they believed to be an immigration raid in Peoria.
DEVELOPING: Protests against a supposed ICE raid in Peoria, Ariz. devolves into a chaotic situation. @LaurenCFox10 captured this escalation between some there and officers. Peoria PD tells us this HSI bust was about narcotics – not immigration.@FOX10Phoenix pic.twitter.com/Ay5COL4QE9
— Trenton Hooker (@trentonhooker) June 10, 2025
The activists turned up to confront police after receiving a community alert from the Party for Socialism and Liberation of Phoenix.
The Peoria Police Department (PPD) issued a statement to correct the record: the Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) operation in Peoria concerned a search warrant for a drug investigation — not immigration enforcement.
“During the incident, misinformation circulated online, drawing protesters to the scene under the false belief it involved immigration enforcement,” stated PPD. “Unfortunately, the situation escalated when a suspect assaulted a police officer, and the crowd’s behavior became increasingly disruptive.”
https://x.com/PeoriaPoliceAZ/status/1932548341755490778
The Peoria Police Department is among Arizona’s finest, and they did a wonderful job de-escalating a chaotic situation.
It is disappointing to see Maricopa County Supervisor Steve Gallardo was so quick to spread misinformation and throw law enforcement under the bus.
Arizona… https://t.co/Sp42hMGQv3
— Office of Congressman Abe Hamadeh (@RepAbeHamadeh) June 11, 2025
Progress Arizona, one of the leading dark money-funded nonprofits in the state, sent out a community alert defending their activists’ involvement. The nonprofit made no apologies about the assault on an officer.
“Today, Arizonans came together to show support for immigrants by bearing witness to law enforcement actions, and to protect individuals’ constitutional rights in various locations across the valley, including at the intersection of 67th and Peoria avenues based on reports of ICE presence,” said Progress Arizona.
The nonprofit included a statement from an involved activist and former state representative, John Loredo, promising more activist presence wherever they believe immigration enforcements may take place.
“This is going to be the norm from now on; Arizonans will respond to defend our communities and protect our constitutional rights,” said Loredo. “We have resisted these attacks before, and we will do so again by preparing people for ICE raids now in a movement rooted in mutual support and community care.”
Another ex-lawmaker (now spokesperson for activist organization Proyecto Progreso, which coordinated with Progress Arizona), Raquel Teran, said they would “peacefully observe and document” to ensure illegal immigrants’ rights weren’t violated during immigration enforcement proceedings.
Proyecto Progreso launched earlier this year as a coalition of Spanish-language media outlets and progressive organizations in response to the Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts.
In addition to Progress Arizona, their “community allies” are One Arizona, Mi Familia Vota, Corazon, Arizona Working Families Party, Arizona Democracy Resource Center, TheyBirth TheyArt, CHISPA, Poder Latinx, Arizona AANHPI, and Arizona Center for Empowerment.
The organization’s “media allies” are Conecta Arizona, La Onda, 101.9 Campesina, La Reyna Radio, Entre Mujeres Radio, Prensa Arizona, Mary Rabago Productions, Chavez Media, and Contacto Total Radio.
Proyecto Progreso offers connection to free legal advice and representation through the Legal Assistance Program for Mexicans through External Legal Counsel (PALE) — a program funded by the Mexican government.
These activists have support from their Democratic elected officials.
Maricopa County Supervisor Steve Gallardo joined protesters in defending their interruption of police operations. Gallardo declared illegal immigrants had a constitutional right to remain in the country.
“It’s a sad day not only for Arizona but particularly for the city of Peoria. I’m kind of shocked to see the coordination within the city of Peoria and the federal government,” said Gallardo. “Police here in Peoria took an oath to uphold the Constitution, people that are being taken away — yeah they do have rights that need to be protected.”
Governor Katie Hobbs spoke against Tuesday’s show of violence — though this latest statement may have come across as mixed messaging, given her recent response to the California riots.
“Violence is completely unacceptable, and I urge any protesters to remain peaceful,” said Hobbs.
https://x.com/GovernorHobbs/status/1932558919072952817
The governor’s statement addressing the Los Angeles riots may have led anti-ICE activists to believe she would look the other way or even support acts of violence.
Hobbs signed onto a letter condemning President Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard over the weekend in response to the ongoing riots in Los Angeles, California.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell pledged to hold rioters accountable for their actions.
“This afternoon, people in the area of 67th Avenue and Cheryl Drive made a bad decision and an officer was hurt. While their assumption that he was involved in an immigration enforcement was wrong, let me be clear: assaulting a police officer, or hurting another person, or damaging property for any reason is not acceptable and those who do so will be held accountable for their unlawful actions.”
https://x.com/Rachel1Mitchell/status/1932587613049008624
