Zipps Worker Jailed, Claims 'Scapegoating' by Management

Kitchen manager accused of hiring undocumented immigrants says company was aware of the practice.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:39pm

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The lawyer for Diego Gonzalez-Rosales, a kitchen manager at Zipps Sports Grill accused of hiring undocumented immigrants, argued in federal court that the company's management was aware of the restaurant's hiring practices and that Gonzalez-Rosales is being made a "scapegoat" by the company. Despite this claim, the judge deemed Gonzalez-Rosales, a Mexican national, a serious flight risk and ordered him to remain jailed ahead of his trial.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement, with accusations that companies may be complicit in hiring undocumented workers while only low-level employees face consequences. It also raises questions about the government's tactics in conducting workplace raids and the impact on local communities.

The details

Gonzalez-Rosales, who has lived in the U.S. for 20 years as an undocumented immigrant, rose from a dishwasher to the person overseeing kitchen hiring at all of Zipps' restaurants. His lawyer, Rachel Gendreau, argued that others at Zipps were aware of the company's hiring practices, but Gonzalez-Rosales is the one facing charges. A Homeland Security investigation found that 76 Zipps workers had multiple active employers, "consistent with aggravated identity fraud." The Jan. 26 federal raids at 15 Zipps locations led to 39 arrests of suspected illegal immigrants.

  • Gonzalez-Rosales has lived in the U.S. for 20 years.
  • The federal raids at Zipps locations occurred on January 26.
  • Gonzalez-Rosales' next hearing is scheduled for February 10.

The players

Diego Gonzalez-Rosales

A kitchen manager at Zipps Sports Grill who is accused of hiring undocumented immigrants and is facing charges.

Rachel Gendreau

The defense attorney for Diego Gonzalez-Rosales.

Alison Bachus

The U.S. Magistrate Judge who deemed Gonzalez-Rosales a serious flight risk and ordered him to remain jailed.

Logan Vogel

A Homeland Security investigator who provided a sworn statement about the investigation into Zipps' hiring practices.

Zipps Sports Grill

The restaurant chain where the alleged hiring of undocumented immigrants took place.

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What they’re saying

“He is being made a scapegoat by the company that employed him. They were aware of the conduct and engaging in it themselves.”

— Rachel Gendreau, Defense Attorney for Diego Gonzalez-Rosales (azcentral.com)

What’s next

The judge will assess on February 10 whether the government must take taped statements from some of those who participated in a scheme to falsely claim to be U.S. citizens.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex dynamics around immigration enforcement, with accusations that companies may be complicit in hiring undocumented workers while only low-level employees face consequences. It raises questions about the government's tactics and the impact on local communities.