Disorderly crowd disrupts ICE arrest in Massachusetts

A commotion ensued during an arrest conducted by ICE in Massachusetts, captured on video and described as a “chaotic incident” by local law enforcement. The footage from Worcester depicted approximately 25 individuals protesting as a woman was escorted into a vehicle by ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents.

The crowd, captured on video chanting phrases like “don’t take the mother!” and “no warrant!”, expressed their resistance to the arrest. Some women even placed their hands on the vehicle’s hood and vocalized their objections through screams. A confrontation occurred between a CBP agent and a civilian, resulting in physical shoving as the agent attempted to move the individual away from the SUV.

The situation escalated until the Worcester Police Department intervened, declaring the gathering an unlawful assembly. They warned of potential arrests before the vehicle ultimately departed from the area. Worcester’s Democratic mayor, Joseph Petty, expressed his dismay about the incident, emphasizing the city’s values of inclusion and his concern over family separations during significant occasions like Mother’s Day.

Following the incident, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) refrained from immediate comments. The Worcester Police Department detailed the events, reporting that Federal agents were attempting to detain a woman, prompting the arrival of a significant crowd. The tumultuous scene involved individuals physically preventing the vehicle’s departure and the agents’ attempt to execute the arrest.

Amidst the chaos, a juvenile female holding a newborn child obstructed the vehicle’s path, prompting officers to address the safety of the infant. Despite her initial reluctance, she eventually handed over the newborn before being taken into custody by officers. A subsequent charge of Reckless Endangerment of a Child, along with other offenses, was filed against her, but the infant remained unharmed.

During the detainment process, another woman, identified as Ashley Spring, was arrested after allegedly assaulting officers. She was charged with various offenses, including Assault and Battery on a Police Officer and Disorderly Conduct. The Worcester Police Department continues to investigate the incident, raising the possibility of additional charges being brought against the involved parties.