Fact Check: Pinal County Sheriff Ross Teeple stated that the protesters interfered with a major arrest of a suspect who is a former cartel member during the drug bust in Tucson.

Fact Check: "Pinal County Sheriff Ross Teeple stated that the protesters interfered with a major arrest of a suspect who is a former cartel member during the drug bust in Tucson."

What We Know

On June 12, 2025, a significant drug bust occurred in Tucson, Arizona, involving the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office and federal agents from ICE. During this operation, law enforcement seized over 120 pounds of fentanyl, 20 pounds of methamphetamine, 35 pounds of cocaine, and four firearms. At least one individual, identified as a migrant, was arrested on drug and firearm charges. Pinal County Sheriff Ross Teeple confirmed that the operation targeted a suspect who is a former cartel member and had previously been deported (KOLD, KGUN9).

Sheriff Teeple stated that protesters, mistakenly believing the operation was an ICE immigration raid, interfered with the arrest. He described the protesters as "idiots" for obstructing law enforcement efforts to remove a dangerous individual from the community. Teeple emphasized that despite explanations from law enforcement about the nature of the operation, the protesters continued to disrupt the proceedings (KOLD, New York Post).

Analysis

The claim that Sheriff Ross Teeple stated the protesters interfered with a major arrest of a suspect who is a former cartel member is supported by multiple credible sources. The reports from local news outlets such as KOLD and KGUN9 provide consistent accounts of the events, including the nature of the drug bust and the involvement of the protesters (KOLD, KGUN9).

Sheriff Teeple's comments, which were reported in various articles, indicate that the situation escalated due to the presence of the protesters, who were misinformed about the nature of the law enforcement action. The sheriff's characterization of the protesters as "idiots" reflects his frustration with their actions, which he believed endangered the safety of law enforcement and the community (New York Post, Daily Wire).

The sources used in this fact-check are reputable local news outlets and provide direct quotes from Sheriff Teeple, enhancing their reliability. There is no indication of bias in the reporting, as the articles focus on factual recounting of events and include multiple perspectives from both law enforcement and community members.

Conclusion

The claim that Pinal County Sheriff Ross Teeple stated that the protesters interfered with a major arrest of a suspect who is a former cartel member during the drug bust in Tucson is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources supports this assertion, detailing the events of the drug bust and the sheriff's comments regarding the interference caused by the protesters.

Sources

1. Protesters disrupt major drug bust in Tucson, mistaking it for ...
2. Pinal County Sheriff: ICE protest impeded Tucson drug ...
3. Massive drug bust impeded by protesters 'thinking it was ...
4. Sheriff: Tucson protestors disrupt drug bust; cartel member ...
5. 'Idiots': Massive Drug Bust Impeded By Anti-ICE Protesters ...
6. Sheriff calls protestors who showed up at drug bust 'idiots'
7. Pinal County Sheriff calls protesters idiots