The Arizona chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-AZ), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned a reported ICE pepper spray attack on Rep. Adelita Grijalva.
On X (formerly Twitter), Rep. Grijalva wrote: “ICE just conducted a raid by Taco Giro in Tucson – a small mom-and-pop restaurant that has served our community for years. When I presented myself as a Member of Congress asking for more information, I was pushed-aside and pepper sprayed.”
In a statement, CAIR-AZ Executive Director Azza Abuseif said:
“ICE’s reported use of force against a sitting member of Congress is shocking, unacceptable and a clear abuse of power. No elected official should ever be met with violence for seeking information or attempting to provide oversight. This incident raises serious concerns about ICE’s conduct, its transparency and its treatment of the people it encounters.
“We stand firmly with Rep. Grijalva and call for an immediate, independent investigation, full accountability for those involved, and a reevaluation of the practices that led to this dangerous escalation.”
She said CAIR-AZ will continue to monitor this situation closely and support all efforts to ensure that civil rights are protected and that government agencies are held to the highest standards of professionalism.
Abuseif noted that earlier today, CAIR’s Connecticut chapter welcomed the arrest of a suspect in an alleged anti-Hispanic assault at a gas station in Groton.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Arizona Executive Director Azza Abuseif, 602-349-1573, [email protected]