A heated confrontation between Worcester city officials and law enforcement erupted during an immigration enforcement operation in Massachusetts.
According to Breitbart, District 5 Councilwoman Etel Haxhiaj allegedly assaulted officers and incited a mob while attempting to prevent the arrest of an undocumented immigrant with pending criminal charges.
The incident occurred on Friday when Department of Homeland Security officials arrived to apprehend Ferreira de Oliveira, who was previously arrested for assault and battery charges, including an attack on a pregnant victim. More than two dozen protesters gathered at the scene, chanting slogans against the arrest.
Worcester officials face legal consequences
The Worcester Police Patrolman's Union released a statement on Saturday condemning Councilwoman Haxhiaj's actions. Video footage shows her wearing a powder blue shirt while engaged in physical altercations with officers during the operation.
The police union alleges that Haxhiaj's behavior encouraged others to act aggressively toward law enforcement. The incident represents another case of government officials interfering with immigration enforcement amid the Trump administration's intensified efforts to apprehend undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
Multiple arrests followed the confrontation, including Ashley Spring, a Worcester School Board candidate who allegedly threw liquid at officers.
Violent protests lead to multiple arrests
De Oliveira's daughter was also taken into custody after attempting to obstruct ICE vehicles while carrying an infant. She faces multiple charges, including reckless endangerment of a child and resisting arrest.
The Worcester Police Patrolman's Union shared their perspective on Councilwoman Haxhiaj's involvement:
Etel Haxhiaj incited aggression towards the police during the incident. 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.
Law enforcement officials are now calling for an official investigation into the councilwoman's actions during the incident.
Immigration enforcement sparks community tension
Questions remain about the nature of the protest, with uncertainty over whether the gathering was spontaneous or coordinated by anti-deportation activists who received advance notice of the operation.
The incident highlights growing tensions between local government officials and federal immigration enforcement agencies as debates over immigration policy continue to divide communities.
Looking beyond the confrontation
The Worcester incident involving Councilwoman Etel Haxhiaj has sparked demands for an official investigation into her alleged assault on law enforcement officers and role in inciting mob violence. The confrontation occurred during an attempted arrest of Ferreira de Oliveira, an undocumented immigrant facing charges of violent crimes, including assault on a pregnant victim.
Multiple arrests resulted from the protest, including School Board candidate Ashley Spring and De Oliveira's daughter, who now faces charges of child endangerment and resisting arrest. The incident reflects escalating tensions between local officials and federal immigration authorities as the Trump administration continues its crackdown on undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
