A viral video showing anti-ICE protesters following and harassing two young women who paused to take selfies with federal agents following operations in Phoenix has become the latest flashpoint in a rapidly intensifying conflict over immigration enforcement in the Valley. The most aggressive individual in the footage has been identified as Mark Holodnak, a member of the Legislative District 12 Democrats executive board and a local real estate agent who has hosted fundraising events for Attorney General Kris Mayes. The situation raises questions about the role of political activists in confrontations with civilians during federal operations.
The incident occurred after federal agents concluded enforcement activity connected to a broader criminal investigation involving multiple Zipps locations across the Phoenix metropolitan area. As agents wrapped up operations, a small group of demonstrators confronted individuals perceived as supportive of ICE, escalating from verbal opposition to direct harassment of private citizens who were not involved in the enforcement action itself.
Warning: Language
HAPPENING NOW: A mob of protesters descend upon a group of girls in Phoenix who took selfies with ICE agents. https://t.co/1pHE5k5m2G pic.twitter.com/a5NGqIwM3X
— R.C. Maxwell 🇺🇸 (@RCMaxw3ll) January 27, 2026
RELATED: Watch This Crazy Grilling of People Anti-ICE Activists Thought Were Federal Agents
Video of the encounter shows protesters shouting profanity and accusations at the two girls, who appeared visibly shaken as the confrontation continued. Eventually, they escaped by entering a restaurant through a back alley.
One of the protesters told RedState her intention was to coordinate with Puente AZ, an immigrant rights organization with chapters across the country and an office in Phoenix.
Heres a closer look at the ring leaders faces.
— R.C. Maxwell 🇺🇸 (@RCMaxw3ll) January 27, 2026
They admit some level of coordination with @Puenteaz.@PhoenixPolice https://t.co/iMjnLxdBTi pic.twitter.com/jDgDlT935j
Phoenix has seen a steady increase in protest activity tied to ICE operations in the past two weeks, mirroring a broader national trend. While demonstrations in Arizona have largely remained contained, tensions have risen as activists increasingly attempt to track, disrupt, or publicly confront federal agents during and after enforcement actions. The operations at Zipps marked one of the most visible ICE-related law enforcement activities in the Valley this year, drawing organized protest responses within hours.
Critics argue that rhetoric from elected officials has contributed to the increasingly volatile environment. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has faced sustained backlash for public comments suggesting that residents could potentially invoke self-defense laws in encounters involving federal immigration agents under certain circumstances. Opponents contend that such statements undermine federal authority and risk encouraging dangerous misunderstandings during enforcement operations.
In Minnesota, protests against ICE have escalated sharply following fatal encounters involving federal agents, leading to mass demonstrations, clashes with law enforcement, and calls from business leaders for immediate de-escalation. Federal officials have warned that activist efforts to identify and follow agents increase the likelihood of violent outcomes.
Mayes’ office, which has already faced criticism and seen a senior staffer resign over public statements perceived as anti-police, now faces further scrutiny as questions arise about how closely her office is tied to activist networks that track ICE to obstruct justice and harass civilians. The Arizona Attorney General’s Office has declined to comment on the matter thus far.
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