Worcester reacts to chaotic ICE arrest

Local News

The Department of Homeland Security alleged that Worcester City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj “pulled a political stunt and incited chaos.”

Hundreds of people in Worcester rallied over the weekend after an immigrant mother was detained by federal agents during a chaotic scene Thursday morning.

“This issue is very clear. We want ICE to stop acting unconstitutionally. The way that they are taking people reminds all of us of the Gestapo or the KKK,” Rebecca Winter, an organizer with Massachusetts 50501, told Boston.com.

Around a thousand people met for an “emergency protest” on the Worcester Common Sunday afternoon to protest ICE’s involvement in the city. Winter said the turnout exceeded expectations.

“This one really took off. People are just so upset seeing this happen in our communities,” Winter said.

Massachusetts 50501 has organized “Hands Off” protests against the Trump administration across the state and country, including one in Boston that drew thousands last month.

Worcester mother arrested by ICE

Two people were arrested by Worcester police May 8 after dozens of residents surrounded Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who were detaining a mother on Eureka Street in Worcester, advocates and officials said.

After ICE detained the mother, Worcester police arrested her 16-year-old daughter and charged her with reckless endangerment of a child, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. 

Ashley Spring, 38, was also arrested after she allegedly threw an unknown liquid substance on and allegedly pushed multiple officers who were attempting to arrest the 16-year-old. Spring is currently campaigning for Worcester School Committee, according to campaign filings.

The woman arrested by ICE is Ferreria de Oliveira, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement. The agency said she was previously arrested by local police for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and assault and battery on a pregnant victim.

The agency did not say when or where those charges were filed, or say whether de Oliveira has been convicted of a crime. A search of available court records across the state yielded no results for her name.

A spokesperson for Worcester police said Sunday there was no update in the 16-year-old’s case and that “there were no issues” at the recent demonstrations in Worcester. A crowd also gathered outside Worcester City Hall Friday night, NBC Boston reported.

City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj was present at the initial arrest Thursday. She said in a previous statement that residents formed a “human ring” around the mother and children involved.

“The way immigrants in Worcester and across the Commonwealth are being targeted and terrorized by this federal administration for deportation is absolutely unconstitutional,” Haxhiaj said at the time.

The councilor also spoke to residents Friday at the city’s YWCA, WCVB reported.

“The message for ICE is to get out of our city,” Haxhiaj said to applause.

Feds blame Haxhiaj’s ‘political stunt’ for chaotic scene in Worcester

DHS and the Worcester Police Patrol Officers’ Union slammed Haxhiaj for her actions on Eureka Street. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin alleged that the councilor “pulled a political stunt and incited chaos by trying to obstruct law enforcement.” McLaughlin said police then “regained control of the situation.”

Thomas Duffy, the union president, said in a statement that Haxhiaj assaulted Worcester police officers and federal agents.

“The conduct of this anti-police activist councilor is deplorable and unacceptable,” Duffy wrote. “Councilor Haxhiaj, in our opinion, broke her oath and these ethical laws, and in doing so put the safety of our officers and our citizens at great risk. The members of the Worcester Police Patrolman’s Union Local 911 condemn this councilor’s disrespectful and dangerous behavior.”

Haxhiaj did not respond to a request for comment Sunday. In a video of the incident, Haxhiaj appears to be arguing with a Worcester police officer over the use of force used on a woman who was “pushed” to the ground. 

“It is unnecessary,” Haxhiaj said. “You guys were acting disrespectfully, okay? I’m trying to protect my constituents … I have a right to be here. I’m the city councilor, and I’m protecting my constituents.”

A lawyer for de Oliveira did not return a request for comment Sunday evening.