Immigration Investigation Uncovers Alleged Employment of Undocumented Workers at Phoenix Sports Grills
A tip received by a unit within Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about a year ago led to a significant investigation into Zipps Sports Grills in the Phoenix area. The tipster alleged that the management at Zipps was aware of employees using falsified documents to secure employment.
Following up on these claims, agents from Homeland Security Investigations conducted a review of employment eligibility records in March. This review was cross-referenced against state wage data, revealing potential identity fraud.
Images from the operation show masked federal agents stationed outside various Zipps Sports Grill locations, including those near 32nd Street and Shea Boulevard, Warner Road and 48th Street, and more across Phoenix. Photographers from KJZZ captured these moments, documenting the presence of law enforcement and community observers.
On Monday, federal agents executed search warrants across 15 different Zipps locations, resulting in the arrest of 39 individuals. The investigation has pointed to the hiring manager for all Zipps locations, who now faces charges related to knowingly employing undocumented workers, falsifying federal documents, and additional offenses.
