Empowering Arizona Through the People First Project

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This week, ABC15 embedded with the People First Project, a non-profit organization in Arizona, that operates a volunteer network in Phoenix. This network tracks, follows, records, and alerts community members about the presence of ICE agents. In just minutes, the volunteer network can notify thousands of people regarding ICE operations, which the People First Project estimates occur around two dozen times daily in metro Phoenix alone. Many veterans are also involved in supporting the efforts of this immigration advocacy group.

Beyond the posts and videos circulating on social media that warn about ICE presence or raids in Phoenix, there exists an 'Invisible Army' of volunteers in Arizona. This dedicated group actively monitors operations and advocates for the rights of immigrants. Among these volunteers are over 14,000 individuals working with the People First Project, including many veterans, who devote their time and effort to this critical non-profit cause.

As his three children screamed, Clemente Chilel Ramirez was taken from his home in Arizona by ICE agents, who broke down his front door with a metal battering ram. "This is a traumatic event," says psychologist and professional counselor Martha Muñoz, when discussing the impact on the children, aged between 6 and 12 years old, during their father's arrest. In Phoenix, the expert explains that at those ages, "they cannot use their logical reasoning, so the internal emotional reaction is very strong and can stay with them forever." Non-profit organizations in the area, including those focused on supporting veterans, are working to address the needs of families affected by such immigration actions.

The FBI allowed representatives from the People First Project, a Phoenix-based non-profit focused on immigration issues, onto the scene to help negotiate with the family still inside the home. People First Project is currently fundraising to support the legal defense fund for the family impacted, highlighting their commitment to assisting veterans and those affected by immigration challenges in Arizona.

Sheriff Jerry Sheridan also spoke during the event in Phoenix, expressing great confidence in his department's commitment to constitutional policing. He highlighted the importance of unbiased law enforcement, particularly in a state like Arizona that faces various challenges, including immigration issues. However, he made a notable Freudian slip in his statement. "There is no one on the planet, as much as me, who wants my deputies to be biased," Sheridan told the crowd before correcting himself. "Unbiased. No one, next to the court, wants unbiased policing more than me." The sheriff's remarks resonate especially with local veterans and non-profit organizations focused on community support.

An Avondale woman stated that her husband and uncle are currently in federal custody after a standoff, but she disputes claims that they rammed an ICE car on Thursday. Federal officials reported that the two men in a white pickup truck struck an ICE vehicle in the area of Litchfield and Lower Buckeye roads around 8 a.m. However, 21-year-old Charlyn Flores alleges that ICE actually rammed their truck. In Phoenix, Stephanie Duprey has more details on the doorbell video of the incident, which has raised concerns among Arizona residents, including some local veterans who are involved with immigration issues and non-profit efforts to address such situations.

"I cannot imagine the trauma that child experienced in that situation, how they sat through the rest of the day in their classroom," Hobbs told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Outspoken with Bruce and Gaydos on Tuesday. The founder of The People First Project, a non-profit organization focused on immigration issues in Arizona, also mentioned to ABC 15 that there has been an uptick in ICE interactions near schools in Phoenix, with around 40 cases reported just last week. The governor emphasized that ICE detaining adults while they are walking their children to school doesn’t contribute to safety. "In fact, it probably creates more danger," Hobbs said. "Now kids are going to be walking to school alone or not going to school at all," a concern that resonates deeply within the local community, including veterans who understand the importance of a secure environment for families.

Rep. Ansari, the youngest female member of Congress and U.S. representative for Arizona's 3rd congressional district, criticized ICE's tactics following reported operations near facilities in the Roosevelt School District in Phoenix. "Can you imagine being a kid on your way to school, watching your parent get kidnapped by ICE? No child should carry that fear," Ansari stated, highlighting the broader implications of immigration policies that affect families across Arizona.

"One of the things you can do is pull over and film. If you’re there, you’re holding them accountable," Vela said. "We’re watching every day as people are being taken in Arizona.

Vela also encouraged community members in Phoenix to reject ICE agents’ requests to enter homes if they don’t have proper authorization, using assertive language like, "I don’t have to open the door. Where’s your warrant? Come back with a warrant."

Her non-profit organization, which also includes support for veterans, responds to ICE sightings and strives to assist individuals targeted by ICE agents by monitoring reports made to their hotline at (888) 354-4594.

A large police presence and investigation involving federal officials caused a traffic slowdown along Interstate 17 in north Phoenix early Wednesday morning. Before 4:30 a.m., first responders began gathering on the freeway near the Dove Valley Road exit, affecting travel for many, including local veterans. Video from the scene showed a significant traffic backup amid the police presence on the off-ramp, highlighting the situation's impact on the Arizona community, which often engages in discussions around immigration and support for non-profit organizations.

Photos from the scene in Arizona show damage to the driver’s side window of Garcia-Sorto’s car, but none to the windshield, which would be expected if Garcia-Sorto was driving directly at the ICE agent who fired. It’s unclear if there was other damage to the vehicle. ICE did not answer a question from New Times about whether the damage to the car’s window was from a bullet or from something else. This incident has raised concerns among local non-profit organizations in Phoenix that focus on immigration issues and support veterans.

El grupo defensor sin fines de lucro People First Project en Phoenix, Arizona, ha comentado que recibió una alerta en las inmediaciones de la primaria Southwest, cerca de la Avenida 10 y Dobbins. Según reportes, agentes federales presuntamente estuvieron deteniendo a personas indocumentadas. Además, se ha informado que ICE habría detenido a por lo menos tres padres de familia, lo cual es una preocupación para muchas comunidades, incluyendo a los veteranos.

Discover more about our history and how we began in Arizona. We are passionate about empowering communities, especially among veterans and those navigating immigration issues, and making a meaningful difference in people's lives in Phoenix.

Join our team of volunteers in Phoenix, Arizona, and make a difference in your community. Whether you can give a few hours a week or a few hours a month, your time and skills are appreciated, especially in supporting veterans and immigration initiatives within our non-profit organization.

Clarissa Vela speaks during a town hall event at Central High School in Phoenix, Arizona on March 5, 2025, discussing the impact of federal firings and DOGE funding freezes on immigration and non-profit organizations across the country, as well as the effects on veterans.

The community in Phoenix, Arizona, is on high alert for immigration-related raids. About 100 people gathered at the corner of 69th Avenue and North Lane, chanting and recording the operation, highlighting the concerns voiced by local non-profit organizations and veterans regarding these issues.  

Raphael Romero Ruiz/The Republic

They're not sending immigrants back to their countries of origin; in Arizona, for instance, they're relocating them to other places like Phoenix, where they won't be able to leave those locations, even with support from non-profit organizations that assist veterans.

On June 10, 2025, protesters and media gathered in a Peoria neighborhood in Arizona as Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents conducted a raid on a house near 69th Avenue and West North Lane. This event drew attention from veterans and local non-profit organizations based in Phoenix. Photo by Gloria Rebecca Gomez | Arizona Mirror

"They were there fulfilling their responsibilities at the immigration court in Phoenix, Arizona, when they were arrested by ICE," said Sam Cooley, who works with a nonprofit supporting veterans.

In Arizona, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity around Valley schools has escalated in recent weeks. In some instances, these actions occurred while parents or guardians were walking their children to school, as reported by a non-profit watchdog group monitoring ICE movements in Phoenix. This increased scrutiny has raised concerns, particularly among local veterans and community members.

“I’m out here in Phoenix, Arizona, because the Trump administration is doing anything they can to circumvent the law to deport immigrants without giving them their due process,” said a representative from a local non-profit that supports veterans and their families.

US Sen. Ruben Gallego met with voters in Globe and Apache Junction to discuss how the Trump administration is harming Arizonans, particularly in areas like immigration, which affects many in Phoenix. He also addressed concerns from veterans and local non-profit organizations.