Disorderly crowd interrupts ICE arrest in Massachusetts, resulting in two arrests of the interfering individuals.
A wild video surfaced showing an ICE arrest being halted by a boisterous crowd in Worcester, Massachusetts, causing quite a scene.
A viral video posted on X shows a group of locals chanting "don't take the mother" and "no warrant!" as a woman is led into an SUV by ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents. As the vehicle attempts to leave, another woman places her hands on the front hood and screams in protest.
A confrontation ensues between a CBP agent and a bystander, as they exchange aggressive shoves. Eventually, the police declares an unlawful assembly and threaten to arrest.
"I'm appalled to hear about this ICE incident," Worcester's Democratic mayor, Joseph Petty, wrote on Twitter. "As an advocate for a welcoming city, I'm disheartened by the family separation, especially with Mother's Day coming up." He further expressed his frustration, stating that the city was not informed about the ICE detainment. He requested a full report of the incident.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) did not respond to our request for comment.
The Worcester Police Department stated that they arrived at the scene of Eureka Street around 11:13 a.m., upon receiving a report of "a federal agent who was surrounded by a group of about twenty-five people." They received calls stating that ICE officers were on the scene, refusing to show a warrant to the crowd.
Arriving officers witnessed a chaotic scene with several federal agents attempting to take a woman into custody. The crowd was in a rage, with several people attempting to prevent the vehicle and the detainee from leaving. Police worked to calm the situation and ensure safety.
A juvenile female standing in front of the SUV with a newborn in her arms was warned that she was endangering the child. After compliance, she handed the newborn to someone else. Unfortunately, as the vehicle moved away, she ran after it and struck the passenger side, nearly putting herself in harm's way. The teenage girl was arrested and charged with Reckless Endangerment of a Child, Disturbing the Peace, Disorderly Conduct, and Resisting Arrest.
While taking the teen into custody, Ashley Spring, 38, a candidate for the Worcester School Committee, allegedly pushed multiple officers and threw an unknown liquid substance on them. She was also arrested and charged with Assault and Battery on a Police Officer, Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (unknown liquid), Disorderly Conduct, and Interfering with a Police Officer.
The incident remains under investigation, with further charges possible.
Greg Norman is a reporter at Digital.
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- City officials have stated that they do not assist with ICE civil detainments, aligning with Massachusetts state law.
- community leaders, including the NAACP Worcester branch, have called for a formal investigation into the incident to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Neighbors and community activists have denounced the ICE operation and police response, describing it as "chaotic" and "harrowing".
- The incident has resulted in the arrest of two individuals: a 16-year-old daughter of the detained woman and Ashley Spring, a candidate for the Worcester School Committee.
- Both the 16-year-old girl and her 13-year-old sister are now in the care of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.
- The viral video from Worcester, Massachusetts, highlighting the unrest over an ICE arrest, has sparked controversy in local general-news, crime-and-justice, and politics discussions.
- Despite concerns from Worcester's Democratic mayor, Joseph Petty, the city was not notified about the ICE detainment prior to the incident, causing frustration.
- One teenager attempting to prevent the ICE vehicle from leaving was arrested, accused of Reckless Endangerment of a Child, Disturbing the Peace, Disorderly Conduct, and Resisting Arrest.
- Another woman, Ashley Spring, a candidate for the Worcester School Committee, was arrested after allegedly pushing officers and throwing an unknown liquid substance on them during the incident.
