12-05-2025
Online videos show chaotic scene as ICE officers moved in on Worcester street
WORCESTER ― Video of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operating on Eureka Street on Thursday, May 8, shows an active scene of local residents attempting to prevent the arrest on Thursday.
ICE officers were shown on video arresting one woman, who witnesses said was of Brazilian descent. In a video taken by former Worcester City Council candidate Maydee Morales, current Worcester City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj can be seen attempting to shield the woman from being detained by ICE officers.
"You do not have an arrest warrant," Haxhiaj can be heard saying. "These are not targets, these are my constituents."
In a video posted by Worcester independent journalist Bill Shaner, ICE agents, some of them wearing face coverings, can be shown leading the woman into what appears to be an unmarked vehicle, a tan Ford SUV.
The video also shows witnesses attempting to stop the vehicle from leaving. Worcester police officers can be seen trying to disperse the crowd.
"Stop, stop – they will explain," one police officer can be seen telling the crowd.
Worcester police also arrested one juvenile, believed to be the daughter of the Brazilian woman who was originally arrested. Video published by NBC 10 shows ICE agents and Worcester Police Department officers restraining the juvenile, who was attempting to reach her mother, eventually pushing the juvenile against the ground.
A third arrest, that of Ashley Spring, a Worcester School Committee candidate, was made at the scene. A video shows Spring appearing to try and prevent the juvenile at the scene from being arrested, with police showing Spring back and arresting her. Police later stated Spring threw a liquid substance on officers; she is charged with assault and battery on a police officer and interfering with a police officer, among other charges. She was arraigned in Central District Court on May 9 and released on personal recognizance. She is due back in court on June 23.
More: School board candidate arrested in confrontation with ICE on Eureka Street in Worcester
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Online videos show ICE officers operating on Worcester street
