Protesters clash with police during Homeland Security investigation in Peoria

Peoria PD: HSI agents were not on an immigration call

PEORIA, Ariz. - An investigation escalated into a chaotic scene on Tuesday in a Peoria neighborhood where Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) agents were serving a search warrant.

What we know:

The incident happened on June 10 near 67th Avenue and Cheryl Drive around 9:30 a.m.

HSI released a statement on what happened, saying a person was arrested on federal charges, and another was turned over to immigration officials.

"Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a federal search warrant in Peoria, AZ. The search warrant was is in furtherance to a narcotics and human smuggling case. One person was arrested on federal charges and one other person was turned over to immigration officials. Special agents seized narcotics, drugs and an unknown powder. The investigation is ongoing. More information will be forthcoming as available."

The Peoria Police Department, however, told FOX 10 "this operation had no connection to ICE or immigration activity."

What they're saying:

The incident drew protesters to the scene, many of whom believed it was related to an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid.

Law enforcement statements

The Peoria Police Department said, in full, "We want to clarify information circulating about a recent law enforcement operation in our city. Earlier today, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) served a search warrant for a drug investigation. This operation had no connection to ICE or immigration activity. During the incident, misinformation circulated online, drawing protesters to the scene under the false belief it involved immigration enforcement. Unfortunately, the situation escalated when a suspect assaulted a police officer, and the crowd’s behavior became increasingly disruptive. We support the right to peaceful assembly, but want to emphasize: This was not an immigration-related case. The safety of our community and officers remains a priority. We ask for continued calm and accurate information-sharing. We remain committed to transparency and respectful communication with our community. Thank you for helping us prevent the spread of misinformation."

The Phoenix Police Department also released a statement, not specifically about this incident, but about ICE protests in the Valley and around the country.

"The Phoenix Police Department remains committed to providing the highest level of service and ensuring the safety of everyone in our community.
We are aware of recent federal immigration enforcement activity in neighboring states and in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. The Phoenix Police Department is not involved in these operations. We understand these activities can evoke fear or other strong emotions, and in some cases, may lead to peaceful demonstrations. The Department fully recognizes and respects the constitutional rights of all to peaceably assemble and exercise free speech. Our role is to help ensure all individuals are safe and that everyone is treated with dignity and respect. The Department monitors these gatherings, intervening only as necessary--specifically to address criminal behavior which may disrupt peaceful activities, cause injury or impact public safety response and services. We encourage all community members to express their views in a peaceful and lawful manner, and we remain committed to supporting safe and respectful demonstrations."

Peoria PD officer assaulted

"The situation escalated when a suspect assaulted a Peoria Police Sergeant as he was leaving the area to return to service. Two individuals were attempting to obstruct the Sergeant’s path as he walked away. After several attempts to leave the area, the Sergeant encountered an individual who was purposely trying to obstruct him. He was then assaulted, and the crowd became increasingly disruptive. The individual was taken into custody. Thankfully, the Sergeant was not seriously injured from this incident," he said.

Tyler Hitte

On the morning of June 11, the person arrested was identified as 23-year-old Tyler Hitte.

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell released a statement on the reported assault, saying, "An attack on a police officer is never appropriate. These men and women risk their own lives and safety to do the job we’ve asked them to do. 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."

The other side:

Chaos and violence erupted outside the Peoria neighborhood.

Water was thrown. People were shouting and shoving. It appears police used a Taser on someone, then handcuffed them and took them away.

About 50 people protested the police presence, believing it was an immigration raid.

After the chaos in Los Angeles and tips of possible ICE raids, activists and community members were on high alert.

Clarissa Vela with the People First Project arrived after being alerted to possible federal immigration enforcement activity.

"ICE, DHS, and Tom Homan need to get out of our city, because all they are doing is causing chaos and confusion the same way they did in L.A. It is unnecessary," Vela said.