ICE Arrest Erupts as Dem Councilor Joins Mob, Assaults Officers [WATCH]

A Massachusetts police union is demanding charges against Worcester City Councilmember Etel Haxhiaj after she allegedly assaulted both local and federal law enforcement officers during a chaotic protest of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in a residential neighborhood.

The incident unfolded on Friday in Worcester’s District 5, which Haxhiaj represents.

According to a statement released by the Worcester Police Patrolman’s Union, the councilmember actively participated in a protest that escalated into physical confrontation as ICE officers attempted to arrest an individual accused of violent crimes.

Worcester City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj political stunt has blown up in her face.@ICEgov and @WorcesterPD Union have both called her out.
If you elect someone, and they do not support law and order and the police, then you voted in the wrong person.
She has to go.
pic.twitter.com/Bud9lIHhKo

— All Politics is Local with Jon Fetherston (@LocalPoliticsis) May 10, 2025

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Video from the scene shows approximately 25 individuals surrounding the unmarked ICE vehicle, chanting “no warrant!” and “not the mother!”

Ice arrests a female illegal in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Neighbors go berserk against ICE as expected.

Thank you for putting up with these traitors, @ICEgov.

And thank you for the deportations! pic.twitter.com/WNemS1wSnP

— Paul A. Szypula (@Bubblebathgirl) May 9, 2025

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One woman, identified as the daughter of the suspect, attempted to block the ICE vehicle by standing in front of it while holding her infant child. She was later arrested after reportedly running after the car and kicking its passenger side.

The police union accused Haxhiaj of encouraging the crowd’s behavior and directly interfering with law enforcement’s efforts.

“Etel Haxhiaj incited aggression towards the police during the incident,” the union stated.

“This councilor participated in the conduct of the unruly crowd and eventually assaulted both Worcester police and federal law enforcement officers on scene. Her behavior also emboldened others to act in this manner.”

The union further claimed Haxhiaj violated her oath of office and endangered public safety.

It called for a formal ethics investigation by the city and urged federal authorities to pursue charges.

Another protester, identified as Ashley Spring—a candidate for the Worcester School Committee—was also taken into custody.

She faces multiple charges, including assault and battery on a police officer. DHS officials stated she, too, had physically assaulted both local and federal officers during the altercation.

The daughter of the apprehended suspect, Ferreira de Oliveira, was charged with reckless endangerment of a child, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest, according to reports from CBS and MassLive.

More footage of the arrest of an illegal in Worcester, Massachusetts.

An illegal was already in a car with ICE driving away when her irate daughter holding a baby stepped in front of the car.

The daughter was then arrested for obstruction as was another woman for interfering. https://t.co/kingPT52Yv pic.twitter.com/zbijRSwfSK

— Paul A. Szypula (@Bubblebathgirl) May 9, 2025

In a statement obtained by Spectrum Worcester, the Department of Homeland Security accused Councilmember Haxhiaj of orchestrating a “political stunt” that obstructed law enforcement.

“Haxhiaj pulled a political stunt and incited chaos by trying to obstruct law enforcement,” DHS said.

The individual at the center of the ICE operation, Ferreira de Oliveira, was previously arrested by local police on charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery on a pregnant victim.

According to DHS, she entered the United States illegally in August 2022.

DHS added that individuals in similar situations now have the option to voluntarily depart through the CBP One app, an initiative expanded during the Trump administration.

“Through the CBP Home App — the Trump Administration is giving parents illegally in the country a chance to take full control of their departure and self-deport, with the potential ability to return the legal, right way and come back to live the American dream,” the statement read.

Today, @Sec_Noem announced that we are launching the CBP Home app with a self-deportation reporting feature. ⁰
We are giving illegal aliens the option to leave now and self-deport, so they may still have the opportunity to return and live the American dream. pic.twitter.com/5gViOUAcjE

— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) March 10, 2025

The Worcester Police Department confirmed the incident remains under investigation and indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming, according to Fox News.

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