PHOENIX — A protestor assaulted a police officer who was helping federal authorities with a drug case on Tuesday, according to the Peoria Police Department.
The attack occurred after officers with the Peoria Police Department responded to the area of Peoria and 71st avenues to help Homeland Security Investigations, police said.
Peoria police were called to the area to help with traffic and ensure citizens were safe as HSI arrested a suspect on a federal warrant for drug sales and distribution, according to Peoria Mayor Justin Beck.
Protestors mistakenly thought it was an immigration-related investigation due to social media misinformation, police said.
Beck stated that the protesters were attempting to incite violence and that some of them were forming a black bloc — a tactic where demonstrators wear masks, helmets and black clothing to conceal their identities.
“This black bloc is essentially trying to incite a riot or … entice officers that are in these situations to a confrontation,” Beck told Outspoken with Bruce and Gaydos Tuesday.
What led up to assault on Peoria sergeant during federal drug investigation?
There were around 100 protestors in the area, according to ABC15.
Two people tried to obstruct the path of a sergeant with the police department who made several attempts to leave the area so he could return to service.
“He was surrounded by multiple people in this situation, but this had nothing to do with an ICE or an immigration raid,” Beck said. “It had everything to do with a drug warrant that was done by HSI.”
The suspect, whose name was not released, then assaulted the sergeant, police said. Following the assault, the crowd became disruptive.
According to Peoria PD, the sergeant was not hurt during the incident and the suspect was taken into custody.
Beck said he wants to identify and arrest the two other people who touched and obstructed the officer.
Arizona leaders condemn assault on Peoria sergeant in anti-ICE protest
Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, called the attack unacceptable.
I am aware of federal law enforcement actions in Peoria. We have been informed that they were part of an ongoing HSI criminal investigation, not related to immigration.
I have directed @Arizona_DPS to reach out to local law enforcement to ensure needs are met and we maintain…
— Governor Katie Hobbs (@GovernorHobbs) June 10, 2025
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, a Republican, also condemned the assault.
“This afternoon, people in the area of 67th Avenue and Cheryl Drive made a bad decision and an officer was hurt,” Mitchell said in a Tuesday statement.
“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.”
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