HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

28 workers arrested in ICE raid on Arizona restaurant chain; owners accused of smuggling scheme

Jul 15, 2025 · Village of Oak Creek, AZ, Mexico

28 workers arrested in ICE raid on Arizona restaurant chain; owners accused of smuggling scheme

On July 15, 2025, federal agents raided four Colt Grill BBQ and Spirits restaurants in Yavapai County, Arizona, and a location in Foley, Alabama, arresting 28 undocumented workers on immigration violations. Restaurant owners Robert and Brenda Clouston, both 61, were arrested along with two undocumented immigrants, Luis Pedro Rogel-Jaimes, 33, and Iris Romero-Molina, 29. According to a May 27 federal indictment, the four defendants conspired to transport and harbor undocumented workers from Mexico, operating a fake cleaning business as a staffing front to conceal payments. The workers were paid below minimum wage without overtime compensation, and the defendants avoided proper employment taxes. Approximately 200 employees lost their jobs when the restaurants closed. The investigation spanned three years.

Timeline

Jul 15, 2025ICE raided four Colt Grill restaurants in Yavapai County (Village of Oak Creek, Cottonwood, Prescott, Prescott Valley) and one location in Foley, Alabama; arrested 28 undocumented workers and four defendants including restaurant owners Robert and Brenda Clouston
Jul 15, 2025Approximately 200 Colt Grill employees lost their jobs as restaurants closed following the raids
May 27, 2025Federal indictment issued charging Robert and Brenda Clouston and two undocumented immigrants with conspiracy to transport and harbor undocumented workers

Sources

More incidents in Arizona