Context:

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accused Worcester City Council member Etel Haxhiaj of inciting chaos during an ICE operation to arrest Ferreira de Oliveira, described as a violent criminal illegal immigrant. The incident escalated into a chaotic scene involving a crowd of about 25 people, prompting police to make additional arrests, including that of Ashley Spring, who allegedly assaulted officers. The Worcester Police Patrol Officers’ Union criticized Haxhiaj for her actions, claiming she obstructed law enforcement and encouraged aggressive behavior towards officers. The union called for an ethics investigation into Haxhiaj’s behavior, emphasizing the need for accountability for the alleged misconduct. Despite the disorder, ICE and local police successfully regained control and completed the arrest of Oliveira, who faced charges related to previous assaults, including on a pregnant woman.

Dive Deeper:

• The arrest operation by ICE agents in Worcester, Massachusetts, aimed at detaining Ferreira de Oliveira, turned chaotic when District Councilor Etel Haxhiaj allegedly incited a crowd to obstruct law enforcement efforts. This led to heightened tensions and required police reinforcement.

• DHS described Oliveira as a 'violent criminal alien' with charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and on a pregnant woman. Her presence in the U.S. was attributed to previous administration policies that allowed illegal entry in 2022.

• The incident saw a crowd chanting and attempting to block the arrest process, escalating into a confrontation that necessitated additional police presence due to the hostile environment. Videos showed protesters trying to prevent the removal of a woman by ICE agents.

• The Worcester Police Patrol Officers’ Union reported that officers were threatened and assaulted during the incident, leading to more arrests. They emphasized the emotional and dangerous nature of such enforcement actions, especially when family separations are involved.

• Etel Haxhiaj's actions were condemned by the police union, which accused her of assaulting officers and fostering aggression among the crowd. The union demanded an ethics investigation into her conduct and stressed the importance of upholding the authority of law enforcement to maintain public order.

• Ashley Spring, another individual arrested during the incident, faced charges for assaulting officers and throwing an unknown liquid at them, highlighting the chaotic and volatile nature of the scene.

• The police union called for accountability and criticized the behavior of those who obstructed the law enforcement process, stressing that political differences should not interfere with the duty of officers to enforce the law and ensure community safety.