Worcester Councilor Pleads Not Guilty in ICE Arrest Assault Case as Judge Dismisses Felony Charge Against Other Protester

Worcester City Councilor Pleads Not Guilty in Assault Case Linked to ICE Raid

A Worcester city councilor, Etel Haxhiaj, has pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and battery on a police officer following a tense confrontation between residents and federal immigration agents in May. The incident occurred during an arrest of Rosane Ferreira de Oliveira, a Brazilian national, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Haxhiaj, who represents District 5, faces a misdemeanor charge for interfering with a police officer and assault and battery.

Haxhiaj, who is an immigrant herself, emphasized her commitment to protecting her constituents, especially women and children, during the event. She stood beside her family and attorney as she addressed supporters outside the courthouse, expressing her determination to maintain her innocence. “As both a mother and an elected official, I will always stand up for my constituents,” she said. “That’s what I demonstrated on Eureka Street on May 8.”

The situation escalated when ICE agents attempted to arrest Ferreira de Oliveira, prompting local residents to intervene. Body camera footage from the incident showed the woman's daughters crying while holding a young infant, highlighting the emotional turmoil of the moment. Haxhiaj was seen attempting to protect the teen daughter of Ferreira de Oliveira, who was also arrested. In the footage, Haxhiaj is heard saying, “You are hurting her,” before making contact with an ICE agent.

Another individual involved in the incident, Ashley Spring, faced a felony charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. However, the charge was dismissed after prosecutors acknowledged insufficient evidence. Spring’s attorney, Carlton Williams, argued that the incident involved a baby bottle containing only water, which was mistakenly perceived as a dangerous weapon. “Baby bottles aren’t dangerous weapons,” Williams stated, emphasizing that the contents were clearly not hazardous.

Williams shared video footage showing an officer smelling the liquid from the baby bottle, further supporting his claim. He noted that the amount of liquid involved was minimal—approximately half an ounce. “People are seeing very, very scary things going on a lot closer to home than we ever see them,” he said, highlighting the growing public concern over such incidents.

In addition to Haxhiaj and Spring, Ferreira de Oliveira’s teen daughter was also arrested. However, the charges against her, including endangerment of a child and disturbing the peace, were later dropped due to the circumstances surrounding the arrest. Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier cited the "totality of circumstances" as a reason for dismissing the charges.

Supporters of both Haxhiaj and Spring gathered at the courthouse for their arraignment, reflecting the community’s strong reaction to the events. Haxhiaj expressed disappointment over the legal battle but stressed that it pales in comparison to the fear experienced by families in Worcester. “While it is disappointing and disheartening to invest time, effort, and resources fighting these charges, it is absolutely nothing compared to Worcester families living in fear of being torn apart,” she said.

The incident has sparked broader discussions about the role of law enforcement and the rights of immigrants in the United States. Many residents and activists view the actions of ICE agents as a threat to community safety and unity. As the legal proceedings continue, the case remains a focal point for debates on immigration policy and civil liberties.