A Worcester, Massachusetts, ICE arrest spiraled into chaos, resulting in multiple detainments and accusations of assault against a city councilor and a school committee candidate. Approximately 25 neighbors attempted to prevent the arrest of Ferreira de Oliveira, an accused violent criminal who allegedly entered the United States illegally in 2022. Ashley Spring, a school committee candidate, was arrested for allegedly pushing and throwing liquid at officers.
Heated Confrontation During Federal Immigration Arrest
Federal immigration agents attempting to apprehend an accused violent criminal in Worcester, Massachusetts, were met with fierce resistance from local residents and, allegedly, at least one elected official. The incident occurred on May 8, 2025, when ICE agents arrived on Eureka Street to arrest Ferreira de Oliveira, who authorities claim entered the United States illegally in August 2022 and was previously arrested on assault and battery charges. What began as a standard arrest operation quickly devolved into a standoff between federal agents, local police, and approximately 25 protesters.
According to official reports, Worcester police were dispatched around 11:15 am after federal law enforcement requested assistance due to a “hostile and uncooperative crowd” that had surrounded them. Video footage from the scene shows residents and protesters shouting at ICE agents, demanding to see a warrant, and attempting to physically block the arrest. The situation escalated rapidly, resulting in multiple arrests and allegations of assault against both demonstrators and law enforcement officers.
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
City Councilor Accused of Instigating Unrest
The Worcester Police Patrolman’s Union has leveled serious accusations against District 5 City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj, claiming she not only participated in the protest but actively incited aggression toward law enforcement. The union alleges that Haxhiaj’s behavior “emboldened others to act” in a confrontational manner, ultimately resulting in assaults on both Worcester police officers and federal agents. The police union is now calling for criminal charges against the councilor and urging the city to conduct a thorough ethics investigation.
“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 the scene. Her behavior also emboldened others to act in this manner.” – Worcester Police Patrolman’s Union
The Department of Homeland Security has joined in the criticism, accusing Haxhiaj of executing a “political stunt” and “inciting chaos by trying to obstruct law enforcement.” The situation is particularly contentious given Worcester’s previous stance on immigration enforcement. City officials had previously declared that Worcester would not collaborate with ICE on immigration enforcement, creating tension between local and federal authorities over jurisdiction and cooperation.
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
Multiple Arrests Amid Escalating Tensions
Among those arrested was Ashley Spring, a candidate for the Worcester School Committee. Spring allegedly pushed officers and threw an unidentified liquid substance during the confrontation. She now faces multiple charges related to the incident. Another arrest involved a juvenile, believed to be de Oliveira’s daughter, who stood with a newborn infant in front of a vehicle in an apparent attempt to prevent it from leaving the scene. Worcester police stated the juvenile was endangering the child and was taken into custody after attempting to interfere with the vehicle.
The Worcester Police Department has indicated that the “chaotic incident is still under investigation,” with potential for additional charges as the inquiry continues. Meanwhile, local residents have expressed a mixture of reactions to the events. Some voiced support for the arrested individuals, while others condemned the disruption of law enforcement operations. The episode highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement across the country and raises questions about the responsibilities of elected officials during such confrontations.