Phoenix protests target ICE after federal search warrants executed at multiple Zipps Sports Grill locations

Federal operation triggers public demonstrations in central Phoenix

Protesters gathered outside a Zipps Sports Grill in central Phoenix on Tuesday, January 27, after federal agents served search warrants at multiple locations tied to the restaurant chain one day earlier. The demonstration included chants calling for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to leave the city and drew a crowd estimated at roughly 200 people near the Zipps restaurant along Central Avenue close to Thomas Road.

The protest followed a coordinated federal operation on Monday, January 26, when Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Arizona and other federal partners executed federal search warrants at 15 locations across the Phoenix area. Federal prosecutors said the warrants were authorized by a federal judge and carried out as part of a months-long criminal investigation into felony violations of federal law. Officials said additional information would be released in the days after evidence collected during the searches is reviewed and evaluated for possible charges.

What is known about the warrants, and what remains unclear

Federal authorities have described the activity as a criminal investigation rather than an immigration sweep. The public statement announcing the operation did not identify specific businesses by name or specify the suspected offenses beyond “felony violations of federal law.” Officials also said the investigation is ongoing and information is limited at this stage.

Reports from multiple locations indicated that normal restaurant operations were disrupted during the searches, including customers being asked to leave and employees being questioned while agents secured the sites. As of Tuesday evening, federal officials had not publicly detailed whether arrests were made during the execution of the warrants, and timelines for potential charges were described as dependent on review of seized materials.

Protest message centers on immigration enforcement fears

Although the stated purpose of the operation was evidence-gathering in a felony investigation, the visible federal presence at neighborhood restaurants quickly became a flashpoint for broader concerns about immigration enforcement. Protesters framed the raids as part of a climate of heightened enforcement and argued the tactics risked intimidating workers and communities, including U.S. citizens and lawful residents as well as immigrants.

Federal prosecutors said evidence gathered during the searches would be reviewed in the coming days for possible charges.

Role of local law enforcement during the operation

Local agencies were also drawn into the events, primarily around crowd control as protests developed near some of the searched locations. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged providing crowd control support at least at one site during the federal operation after being requested to help maintain public safety during the activity.

Key verified points so far

• Federal agents executed search warrants at 15 Phoenix-area locations on January 26 as part of a months-long felony investigation.
• Approximately 200 people protested outside the central Phoenix Zipps near Central Avenue and Thomas Road on January 27.
• Authorities said evidence seized will be reviewed before any charging decisions are announced.

Developments are expected as investigators complete their review of seized materials and determine whether the case will result in criminal charges.