Phoenix Promoter Postpones Concert Over ICE Concerns

The Coven collective cites recent immigration enforcement activity as reason to delay annual DIY music showcase

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:39am

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A Phoenix DIY promoter has postponed an upcoming concert, citing concerns over recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Arizona and elsewhere. The Coven collective announced it was moving its annual POWERS OUT #2 showcase to October, saying it did not want attendees to risk being targeted by ICE agents. The decision follows reports of aggressive ICE tactics during arrests and raids across the U.S., including in Arizona.

Why it matters

The postponement highlights growing concerns in the local music community about the potential impact of increased immigration enforcement on concerts and events. It raises questions about whether Phoenix venues and promoters are prepared to handle ICE presence at their shows.

The details

The POWERS OUT #2 concert, an annual celebration of the local DIY music scene, was originally scheduled for January 31 at the Tempe DIY venue Joe's Garage. In its announcement, The Coven said it could not "in good conscience put too many people on the street in a quiet neighborhood where they can become targets coming to or from what is supposed to be a yearly celebration of PHX DIY music and culture." The promoter cited ICE directly targeting people connected to its community, including Latinos.

  • The Coven announced the postponement on January 14, 2026.
  • The POWERS OUT #2 concert was originally scheduled for January 31, 2026.
  • The rescheduled event is now planned for at least October 2026.

The players

The Coven

A Phoenix DIY promoter and collective that organizes music events in the local scene.

Briannin Gross

One of the organizers of The Coven collective who identifies as 'they/them'.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement in the United States, which has drawn renewed attention and scrutiny for its tactics in recent years.

Michelle Donovan

The co-owner of Nile Theater and The Rosetta Room in Mesa, Arizona, who says the venues have reviewed procedures to protect staff, patrons, and artists in the event of ICE presence.

Joe's Garage

A DIY venue in Tempe, Arizona where the POWERS OUT #2 concert was originally scheduled to take place.

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What they’re saying

“I have little doubt it was the wrong call.”

— Briannin Gross, Organizer, The Coven (Phoenix New Times)

“Now does not feel like the right time to convene in such large numbers. It doesn't matter if you're a citizen or not, it's clear they are targeting people based on their skin tone and asking the important questions later.”

— The Coven (The Coven's social media announcement)

“If venues regularly check for weapons or guns at the door, which is arguably just as likely or unlikely, it's the least we can do. If the local venue industry is doing it, DIY and smaller promoters should be too, or at least keeping it in mind.”

— Briannin Gross, Organizer, The Coven (Phoenix New Times)

What’s next

The Coven says it is uncertain if the situation with ICE will be resolved by the rescheduled October date for POWERS OUT #2, but the postponement gives them more time to assess the situation.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing concerns within the local music community about the potential impact of increased immigration enforcement on concerts and events. It raises questions about whether Phoenix venues and promoters are prepared to handle the presence of ICE agents at their shows, and the risks that staff and attendees may face.