A chaotic scene unfolded in Worcester, Massachusetts, during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrest on Friday (May 9) as a crowd attempted to intervene. The arrest involved Ferreira de Oliveira, who was apprehended by ICE agents for alleged violent crimes, including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault on a pregnant victim. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that de Oliveira had entered the country illegally in August 2022.
During the arrest, a group of about 25 neighbors gathered, chanting “no warrant!” and “not the mother!” as they protested the apprehension. Among the crowd was Etel Haxhiaj, a Worcester City Councilmember, who allegedly incited the protest and assaulted both local and federal officers. The Worcester Police Patrolman’s Union has called for an ethics investigation and federal action against Haxhiaj, accusing her of breaking her oath and endangering public safety.
Ashley Spring, a School Board candidate in Worcester, also participated in the protest and faces charges, including assault and battery on a police officer. De Oliveira’s daughter, who attempted to block the ICE vehicle while holding her infant, was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment of a child, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest.
The Worcester Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident, and said that more charges could be filed. The DHS criticized Haxhiaj’s actions, stating she “pulled a political stunt and incited chaos by trying to obstruct law enforcement.”
The incident was captured on video, which you can watch below:
Recent Comments