HSI raids several massage businesses on 4th Avenue - KSWT

[By Samuel Kirk, Abraham Retana, Marcos Icahuate]

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Three people are in custody following a series of early morning raids at massage parlors in Yuma. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), along with local and state partners, executed five search warrants Thursday targeting what authorities describe as "illicit massage businesses" along Fourth Avenue.

Law enforcement activity was seen at several locations, including Swan Massage on 14th Place, Panda Massage near 26th Street, and Samsara Spa near 27th Street. HSI confirmed three arrests were made—two on state prostitution charges and one on immigration violations.

Several residents witnessed the raids and described a large law enforcement presence, including officers carrying automatic weapons.

“You don’t see that in Yuma at all. Like, oh my god,” said Jessie Ozuna, a local resident. “For you to see all those officers with automatic weapons—oh my god—I was like oh hell no, something bad was going on there for sure.”

Other neighbors raised concerns about the impact of such businesses on their community.

“It’s unsafe, especially by a recovery center,” said Arlena Thompson. “We have a lot of young ones we’re trying to keep off drugs and alcohol, and now this—it’s just right there.”

“Probably cause they are doing some illegal stuff—if you look online you can research what that illegal stuff is,” added Yuma local Austin Nelson.

Thursday’s raids follow another operation earlier this month. On May 13, HSI agents served a state search warrant at Beijing Spa near 16th Street and 7th Avenue. That case, which involved assistance from Yuma Police and U.S. Border Patrol, did not result in any arrests. It’s currently unclear whether the two operations are connected.

HSI says the current investigation remains active. The names of those arrested have not been released. We’ve reached out to officials for additional details and will provide updates as we learn more.