A Worcester city councilwoman's clash with law enforcement during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation has sparked calls for an investigation.
According to Breitbart, the Worcester Police Patrolman's Union is demanding an official probe into District 5 Councilwoman Etel Haxhiaj's actions after she allegedly assaulted officers and incited a mob during the arrest of an illegal immigrant with pending criminal charges.
The incident unfolded on Friday when Department of Homeland Security agents attempted to apprehend Ferreira de Oliveira, who faced charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault on a pregnant victim. More than two dozen protesters gathered at the scene, chanting "no warrant!" and "not the mother!" as authorities tried to carry out the arrest.
Violent confrontation erupts during arrest
Video footage captured Haxhiaj, wearing a powder blue shirt, engaging in physical altercations with officers at the scene. The situation quickly escalated as protesters clashed with law enforcement, resulting in multiple arrests and chaos.
The police union's statement highlighted Haxhiaj's alleged role in intensifying the confrontation. They claim the councilwoman's actions encouraged others to behave aggressively toward law enforcement officials.
The incident led to additional arrests, including Ashley Spring, a Worcester School Board candidate who allegedly threw an unidentified liquid at officers.
Family member faces multiple charges
De Oliveira's daughter was also arrested after attempting to obstruct the ICE vehicle while holding an infant. She later chased and kicked the passenger side of the departing ICE car.
Law enforcement charged the daughter with multiple offenses, including reckless endangerment of a child, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. Officials confirmed the infant was not harmed during the incident.
The confrontation represents another instance of local government officials intervening in immigration enforcement operations as President Trump's administration intensifies efforts to apprehend aliens with criminal records.
Growing tension between local officials and federal enforcement
The Worcester incident highlights increasing conflicts between municipal authorities and federal immigration enforcement. The Trump administration's stricter approach to immigration has met resistance from local officials in various jurisdictions.
Questions remain about whether the gathering was spontaneous or coordinated by anti-deportation activists who received advance notice of the operation.
The police union expressed particular concern about an elected official's involvement in obstructing law enforcement operations.
Moving forward with accountability measures
Worcester Police Patrolman's Union officers have called for a thorough investigation into Councilwoman Haxhiaj's conduct during the immigration enforcement operation in Massachusetts. The incident resulted in multiple arrests, including those of De Oliveira's daughter and a School Board candidate, and highlighted growing tensions between local government officials and federal immigration enforcement efforts.
As authorities review the evidence, including video footage of the confrontation, they will determine potential charges against the councilwoman for allegedly inciting violence and assaulting officers during the attempted arrest of an illegal immigrant facing violent crime charges.
