Local News
The Department of Homeland Security alleged that Worcester City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj “pulled a political stunt and incited chaos.”
Hundreds of people in Worcester rallied over the weekend after an immigrant mother was detained by federal agents during a chaotic scene Thursday morning.
“This issue is very clear. We want ICE to stop acting unconstitutionally. The way that they are taking people reminds all of us of the Gestapo or the KKK,” Rebecca Winter, an organizer with Massachusetts 50501, told Boston.com.
Around a thousand people met for an “emergency protest” on the Worcester Common Sunday afternoon to protest ICE’s involvement in the city. Winter said the turnout exceeded expectations.
“This one really took off. People are just so upset seeing this happen in our communities,” Winter said.
Massachusetts 50501 has organized “Hands Off” protests against the Trump administration across the state and country, including one in Boston that drew thousands last month.
Worcester mother arrested by ICE
Two people were arrested by Worcester police May 8 after dozens of residents surrounded Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who were detaining a mother on Eureka Street in Worcester, advocates and officials said.
After ICE detained the mother, Worcester police arrested her 16-year-old daughter and charged her with reckless endangerment of a child, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest.
Ashley Spring, 38, was also arrested after she allegedly threw an unknown liquid substance on and allegedly pushed multiple officers who were attempting to arrest the 16-year-old. Spring is currently campaigning for Worcester School Committee, according to campaign filings.
