by Staff Reporter | Jan 25, 2026 | News
By Staff Reporter |
An owner of a Tucson beauty spa said she has plans to poison ICE agents.
Tucson spa owner Helen Barayeva posted a video to her since-deleted spa business account on TikTok describing her goal to give food poisoning to ICE agents. Barayeva also indicated her intention to come up with other “biological weapon” tactics to employ against immigration enforcement.
“I know what we can do. We can figure out where they’re giving their food, right? The ICE agents? And we can at least give them food poisoning. That’s easy to do,” said Barayeva. “All you have to do is not wash your hands when you’re prepping their food. I mean, how easy is that, right? That is a biological weapon. Okay, I’m going to come up with more.”
Barayeva owned Refreshed Looks Aesthetics, at the time housed inside the Les Cheveux Salon and Boutique.
Barayeva, a former dental hygienist, has also used her Facebook business page to air some of her political views on President Donald Trump, though her “biological weapon” video from TikTok was not on that page as of this report.
Since Barayeva’s post received criticisms online, Barayeva has deleted her Instagram, X, TikTok, and Threads accounts. Her Facebook page remains active as of this report.
The available archived posts from Barayeva indicate long-standing support for progressive politics.
“Joy [Behar], I absolutely love and adore you. Keep speaking the truth,” said Barayeva in one X (then Twitter) post from 2021. “God bless you and give you many great years ahead. I watch the View every day and love your perspective.”
Multiple individuals on social media indicated that they reported Barayeva to authorities for her threats of violence.
This month, the Department of Homeland Security reported an 8,000 percent increase in death threats against federal law enforcement and their families, notably on the deep web. DHS also reported over 1,300 percent increase in assaults and 3,200 percent increase in vehicular attacks.
The agency says Democratic leadership is to blame for encouraging political violence among their followers.
“We’re having our ICE lawyers stalked and being followed on their way home,” said Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, in an interview with Fox News. “I think it’s about time the left looks in the mirror and says ‘enough is enough.’ And they have to put public safety and law enforcement safety ahead of their own political gain.”
Arizona’s Democratic congressional leaders are working to stop the expanded immigration enforcement efforts.
Democratic Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego introduced a bill last week to remove ICE agents’ ability to apply use of force. Their press release on the bill cited the shooting of Renee Good, an anti-ICE activist who sustained a fatal gunshot wound earlier this month when she attempted to drive forward into an ICE agent during a protest in Minnesota.
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero depicted ICE agents as unnecessary agents of violence.
“No community should be subjected to fear, intimidation or violence in the name of immigration enforcement,” said Romero. “The unchecked violence, masked agents, and excessive use of force is creating fear and chaos in our communities.”
In a video posted earlier this week to Instagram, Romero advocated for protesters to abstain from violence.
“I ask that you be peaceful and nonviolent in your protests. They’re so much more powerful to make your point,” said Romero. “Stay safe and please stay nonviolent.”
Phoenix City Councilman Kevin Robinson accused ICE of undermining trust in law enforcement.
“Clear standards and transparency help ensure enforcement is conducted responsibly and with respect for the people it affects,” said Robinson.
In his statement on the bill, Sen. Kelly also came to the defense of ICE protesters, even those impeding immigration enforcement operations. Kelly claimed the present budget for ICE is excessive because it exceeds that of the Marine Corps.
Rep. Eli Crane said Kelly was wrong to defend the protesters and criticize the ICE budget. The congressman said ICE’s increased budget and show of force were necessary to bring the illegal immigration crisis to heel.
“Why, Senator [Kelly], does the budget of ICE have to be larger than the U.S. Marine Corps? Oh, that’s because you and President Joe Biden and all the other Democrats let 15 to 20 million illegal aliens into this country, and now the American people after they saw the ramifications of that gave President Trump and Republicans a mandate to fix it,” said Rep. Crane.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Jan 5, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) remain steadfast in their core responsibility to defend American communities by apprehending and removing dangerous criminal offenders, even as political leaders intensify efforts to undermine these essential law enforcement operations.
In a recent action, DHS and ICE arrested Anel Billy Irigoyen Portillo, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico previously convicted in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona for importing fentanyl—a deadly narcotic that has ravaged families, fueled widespread addiction, and claimed countless lives across Arizona and the nation.
Portillo’s arrest is in line with the focus of DHS and ICE to target narcotics traffickers and other violent offenders who pose direct threats to public safety.
“While federal agents conduct lawful operations to protect public safety, newly elected Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva has chosen to publicly attack DHS and ICE, portraying enforcement actions as misconduct rather than acknowledging the clear and documented threat posed by violent criminal offenders,” said Representative John Gillette (R-LD30). “This rhetoric undermines law enforcement, encourages resistance to lawful authority, and erodes respect for the rule of law at a time when clarity and cooperation are essential.”
In a press release, Gillette called on officials in Pima County to prioritize full cooperation with DHS and ICE, rather than engaging in obstruction, delays, or politicalization of federal efforts. He urged the following actions to ensure the protection of Arizona communities:
- Complete cooperation between Pima County and federal law enforcement.
- Effective operational coordination with DHS and ICE.
- Termination of political attacks that disrupt lawful enforcement activities.
“DHS and ICE are doing the job the American people expect—removing violent criminals and drug traffickers from our communities,” Representative Gillette added. “Arizona does not need political grandstanding that shields offenders and targets law enforcement. The public wants dangerous individuals removed, and they want their elected officials supporting—not sabotaging—the mission. This issue is not ideological. It is about public safety, the rule of law, and standing with the men and women charged with protecting our communities and our country.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Dec 22, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY) introduced the Shadow Wolves Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation to enhance one of the nation’s most effective and unique border security programs, the Shadow Wolves
The Shadow Wolves are an elite, all Native-American unit of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tactical agents who specialize in tracking and interdicting drug smuggling and human trafficking across tribal lands along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Operating primarily on the Tohono O’odham Nation in Arizona since the 1970s, the unit’s members use ancestral tracking techniques combined with modern law enforcement training to patrol some of the most remote and challenging terrain on the southern border.
“For decades, the Shadow Wolves have played an essential role in supporting border security and strengthening relationships between DHS and tribal communities,” said Congressman Ciscomani. “Arizona has led the way on this program since the beginning, and this bill helps ensure the Shadow Wolves can continue their mission for years to come.”
A 2024 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report highlighted chronic staffing shortages within the program due to retirements and recruiting challenges under the current “expected service” hiring structure. The Shadow Wolves Improvement Act directly addresses these issues by authorizing ICE to convert Shadow Wolves positions to the “competitive service,” a change recommended by both GAO and ICE leadership.
This reform will open broader recruitment pools, improve retention through enhanced benefits and promotion opportunities, and enable expansion of the program to additional border-adjacent tribal nations experiencing high levels of illicit cross-border activity.
The legislation has gotten strong support from tribal leaders and Native American law enforcement organizations:
- Jaime Azure, Chairman of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, said, “Public Safety, particularly drug and human trafficking, continues to plague Indian Country. These issues are uniquely difficult for tribal communities, like the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, who are located along the U.S. northern border. The Shadow Wolves Improvement Act is an additional tool within the law enforcement toolbox that will help. The Tribe appreciates U.S. Representatives Juan Ciscomani and Tom Suozzi for introducing this important legislation and urges its swift passage in the House of Representatives.”
- Gary Edwards, Chief Executive Officer of the National Native American Law Enforcement Association, said, “The National Native American Law Enforcement Association (NNALEA) strongly supports the Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Native Americans play a key role in protecting the U.S. borders and National Security. This bill is a positive step forward in giving Indian Country Law Enforcement the recognition and support they deserve.”
- Verlon Jose, Chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation, said, “The Shadow Wolves, an all-Native American tracking and investigative unit, have decades of experience protecting the Tohono O’odham Nation and our border. Their unique skill set and deep knowledge of the land are invaluable to law enforcement efforts to interdict drugs and human smuggling on our reservation. The Tohono O’odham Nation strongly supports the Shadow Wolves Improvement Act, which will improve retention and recruitment of Shadow Wolves agents, and support the Nation’s vital role in protecting our land.”
A companion bill in the Senate (S.572), led by Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), has already advanced through the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee with strong bipartisan backing.
“Working in a bipartisan way, we’re giving ICE the tools it needs to hire and retain these highly specialized agents, expand the program to additional tribal lands, and bolster efforts to combat drug trafficking along our southern border. This is common-sense legislation that strengthens security and honors the history and contributions of the Shadow Wolves,” concluded Ciscomani.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Staff Reporter | Dec 9, 2025 | News
By Staff Reporter |
Rep. Adelita Grijalva claimed ICE agents pepper sprayed her; the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) debunked her version of events.
Instead, DHS says Grijalva joined the mob attempting to obstruct an immigration raid on a Tucson taco restaurant chain.
In a video posted on Friday to X, Grijalva said ICE had just “pushed aside and pepper sprayed” her after she allegedly attempted to intervene with their raid by presenting herself as an elected official.
Grijalva didn’t show any signs of physical distress typical of a pepper spray recipient until well over a minute after the video started, when she gave one single cough after mentioning the pepper spray incident following her story about the raid.
“[I] was sprayed in the face by a very aggressive agent, pushed around by others, when I literally was not being aggressive, I was asking for clarification, which is my right as a member of Congress,” said Grijalva. “Everybody that was with me, my staff member, myself, two staff members, we have like remnants of whatever they sprayed on us.”
Pepper spray usually results in a severe burning sensation in the eyes, skin, and throat, and may temporarily blind and restrict breathing. These symptoms manifest as red, swollen, closed, teary eyes; gasping and coughing; red and itchy skin; and possibly a runny nose and dizziness. Apart from the single cough, Grijalva didn’t exhibit any of those symptoms.
These effects last an hour at least, with some residuals lasting up to 24 hours.
In her video, Grijalva described those unlawfully intervening with immigration enforcement as “protecting their people.” Grijalva complained law enforcement were “rude and disrespectful” when she tried to exert some control over the situation.
Tricia McLaughlin, DHS assistant secretary, said Grijalva’s physical wellness following the altercation would be “a medical marvel,” and served as further proof that she wasn’t targeted by ICE agents.
“She wasn’t pepper sprayed. She was in the vicinity of someone who *was* pepper sprayed as they were obstructing and assaulting law enforcement,” said McLaughlin. “In fact, two law enforcement officers were seriously injured by this mob that [Grijalva] joined. Presenting one’s self as a ‘Member of Congress’ doesn’t give you the right to obstruct law enforcement.”
A video of Grijalva posted of the moment she claimed ICE agents attacked her shows Grijalva repeatedly approaching ICE agents in an attempt to intervene with their arrests of illegal immigrants.
Grijalva posted a snippet of the video showing a gas canister hitting near her feet as she approached ICE agents.
Other videos of Grijalva showed her telling ICE agents to release a rioter being detained for intervening with immigration enforcement.
On Monday, Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller announced a partnership with ICE in a press briefing. Miller said sanctuary cities and the progressive politicians who create and support them were to blame for the harboring of criminal illegal immigrants, specifically calling out Reps. Grijalva and Yassamin Ansari. Miller compared Grijalva to Jussie Smollett, the actor who falsely claimed Trump supporters perpetrated a hate crime against him in 2019.
“Politicans like Representatives Grijalva and Ansari have made people believe that they are safe in those cities. I’m here to let you know they’re not. There are no sanctuary cities in Arizona,” said Miller.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Oct 27, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Representative Andy Biggs (AZ-05) has introduced the Deportation Disclosure Act, legislation designed to enhance transparency in the nation’s immigration enforcement system by requiring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to publicly disclose key details of individuals with final orders of removal.
The bill amends Section 240 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1229a) to mandate that DHS publish on its official website, for every individual issued a final order of removal after the date of enactment: the individual’s name, a photograph, any known aliases, and the last known state of residence.
This measure follows the September 2025 arrest by ICE of Ian Roberts, a Guyanese national who had been serving as superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools despite a standing final order of deportation.
Roberts, who has an extensive criminal history, allegedly falsified claims of U.S. citizenship and work authorization to secure his position.
“At the end of 2024, more than a million illegal aliens, including Ian Roberts, had final orders of removal against them, but were roaming freely in the United States,” said Congressman Biggs. “Instead of enforcing our immigration laws and deporting illegal aliens who had due process in our immigration courts, the Biden administration focused on making it as easy as possible for illegal aliens of any and every criminal background to enter and stay in our nation. Making final orders of removal readily accessible to the public will only increase public safety and ensure incidents like this one don’t happen again.”
Grant Newman, Director of Government Relations at the Immigration Accountability Project, added, “The Deportation Disclosure Act would bring much-needed transparency and accountability to our immigration enforcement process. By making final orders of removal accessible, this bill would empower communities and law enforcement, ensuring that individuals who have already received due process in our courts cannot hide in plain sight.”
Congressman Biggs emphasized that the Trump administration is actively working to reverse the border security lapses of the Biden-Harris-Mayorkas era, thus protecting American communities and restoring integrity to the immigration system.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
