Zipps Sports Grill Locations Raided by ICE, Closures Disrupt Phoenix Community

Federal agents executed search warrants at 14 Zipps restaurants in the Phoenix area, leading to protests and uncertainty about the chain's future operations.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 12:47pm

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On Monday, Homeland Security Investigations, a division of ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, executed court-authorized search warrants at 14 Zipps Sports Grill locations across the Phoenix metropolitan area. The raids quickly drew over 200 protesters who expressed concern for the restaurant's workers. Zipps has since released a statement saying they are cooperating with law enforcement and working to reopen their locations, though the exact nature of the investigation remains unclear.

Why it matters

The Zipps raids have disrupted a popular local sports bar chain and sparked protests in the Phoenix community, raising concerns about the impact on workers and the broader implications for immigration enforcement actions targeting businesses.

The details

Federal agents executed search warrants at 14 Zipps Sports Grill locations across the Phoenix area on Monday as part of what the U.S. Attorney's Office described as a 'months-long criminal investigation.' The raids quickly drew over 200 protesters who yelled 'SHAME ON YOU!' and 'Leave the workers alone!' at the agents. Zipps has since released a statement saying they are cooperating with law enforcement and working to reopen their locations, though the exact nature of the investigation remains unclear.

  • The raids occurred on Monday, January 26, 2026.
  • One Zipps location reopened on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
  • The remaining Zipps locations are expected to reopen on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

The players

Zipps Sports Grill

A popular sports bar chain with multiple locations across the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Homeland Security Investigations

A division of ICE and the Department of Homeland Security that executed the search warrants at the Zipps locations.

Protesters

Over 200 individuals who gathered at the Zipps locations to express concern for the restaurant's workers and oppose the federal agents' actions.

Rep. Yassamin Ansari

A local politician who expressed extreme concern about the Zipps raids.

Raquel Terán

A former state legislator who also expressed concern about the Zipps raids.

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What they’re saying

“Zipps Sports Grill is aware that federal authorities executed court-authorized search warrants at a number of our locations on January 26, as part of an ongoing investigation. Federal officials have not shared details regarding the nature of the investigation, and no charges or allegations have been announced. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and working closely with our attorneys to understand the scope of the inquiry.”

— Zipps Sports Grill (phoenixnewtimes.com)

What’s next

The judge overseeing the investigation is expected to provide more details about the nature of the federal probe and the potential charges against Zipps in the coming days.

The takeaway

The Zipps raids have disrupted a popular local business, sparked protests, and raised concerns about the impact of federal immigration enforcement actions on workers and communities. The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched as it could set precedents for how businesses are scrutinized and held accountable.