AZ Sheriff Calls Protesters ‘Idiots’ for Disrupting Massive Drug Bust Mistaking It for ICE Raid [WATCH]

Authorities in Arizona were forced to contend with unexpected resistance from demonstrators during a major drug raid in southwest Tucson this week, as reported by The New York Post.

According to Pinal County Sheriff Ross Teeple, protesters interfered with the operation after mistakenly assuming it was an immigration enforcement action.

The raid, which took place late Wednesday, was the culmination of a six-month investigation into a suspected cartel member who had re-entered the United States illegally after previously being deported.

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Law enforcement officers discovered a significant stash of narcotics and weapons at the residence.

According to officials, the operation led to the seizure of millions of fentanyl pills, 32 pounds of cocaine, 22 pounds of methamphetamine, and four firearms.

As the raid unfolded, a crowd of demonstrators arrived at the scene. Many held signs reading “Abolish ICE,” and several wore face coverings. According to Teeple, the protesters attempted to block authorities from towing the suspect’s vehicle.

“Here’s the crazy part — some idiots, thinking it was an ICE raid, came down and protested.”

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Video from the scene captured the protesters outside the residence, with some shouting at officers and physically attempting to interfere with the seizure of property.

The sheriff expressed frustration over the protest’s timing and apparent misunderstanding of the nature of the operation.

“You want to protest this not getting off the streets? That’s insane,” Teeple said, holding up some of the drugs recovered during the bust.

Teeple emphasized that the individual targeted in the raid was a known felon with cartel ties, not someone involved in an immigration-only case.

“Even when it was explained to them [protesters] that this was a criminal case, where we were taking a criminal drug smuggler, a known felon off the street and keeping the community safe, they still sat there and protested because they don’t have an independent thought,” Teeple told 13 News.

Video on this from the Pinal County Sheriff: pic.twitter.com/Kn7S8m8UIW

— Mary Coleman (@Mary_reports) June 12, 2025

Authorities have not released the name of the suspect or detailed the specific charges at this time.

Law enforcement officials continue to investigate potential cartel connections tied to the operation and are reviewing surveillance and bodycam footage related to the protest.

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