About 40 federal law enforcement vehicles and even more armed officers swarmed the plaza, drawing the attention of residents and the plaza’s businesses. According to a spokesperson at the site for Homeland Security Investigations — a division of Immigration and Customs Enforcement — the United States Marshals Service and HSI were conducting a narcotics operation nearby.
The operation was over around 10:40 a.m., when the unmarked vehicles began filing out of the plaza. The spokesperson — who did not identify himself to New Times — didn’t provide any details about the results of the operation, including if anyone was detained or where it took place.
Whatever the agents were prepping for, they pissed off Danelle Plaza’s most notable business. In an Instagram post, the beloved bar and music venue Yucca Tap Room blasted the federal agents for their “intimidation tactics” near the bar and local art installations.
“No, we didn't invite them. No, we're not cooperating. Yes, we're just as annoyed as you are,” the post reads. “To be crystal clear: Yucca Tap Room has nothing to do with ICE and never will. If you're stopping by, be safe, stay sharp, and know this space is for the people-not the jackboots.”
Rodney Hu, the owner of Yucca Tap Room, told New Times in a phone interview that he was “shocked and appalled” at the feds’ fearsome presence, which he had no idea about. “My opinion is any time that any of that stuff happens, it’s not good for business,” he said.
The Tempe Police Department released a statement noting that it had no involvement in the operation. “We respect the community’s thoughts and feelings on this issue,” the statement read. “We remain committed to supporting safe demonstrations. We recognize and respect the constitutional rights of everyone to exercise free speech.”
The statement also noted that HSI “served and executed a federal warrant in the area of Danelle Plaza.”
The use of Danelle Plaza as a staging area for immigration enforcement comes as Valley residents are on high alert for increased ICE activity. On Tuesday, ICE was active on the west side of Phoenix, rounding up workers and raiding at least one house.
It’s not clear how many people were detained or how many locations ICE raided, but Phoenix New Times was able to spot ICE and Homeland Security Investigations vehicles and personnel at at least three spots on the west side of the Valley on Tuesday morning. In addition, New Times was told of a construction site workplace raid in North Phoenix, but was unable to confirm it.
