Federal Agents Conduct Raid on Zipps Sports Grills Amid Immigration Violations
Federal agents took decisive action earlier this week at multiple Zipps Sports Grill locations across Phoenix, following allegations of employing undocumented workers. The operation stemmed from a tip received nearly a year ago, suggesting that the restaurant chain was aware of staff members using fraudulent documents.
Documents from the court reveal that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), specifically its Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division, initiated the raid after receiving the tip. The informant had claimed that Zipps’ management was conscious of the illegal hiring practices. Subsequently, in March, HSI agents scrutinized employment records and cross-referenced them with state wage data, uncovering potential identity fraud.
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Masked federal agents outside the Zipps Sports Grill near 32nd Street and Shea Boulevard in Phoenix on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.
Matthew Casey / KJZZ
As a result of the raid, 39 individuals were apprehended when federal agents executed search warrants across 15 Zipps locations on Monday. The person responsible for hiring across all Zipps establishments is now facing several charges, including knowingly employing undocumented workers and falsifying federal forms.
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