Massachusetts US Attorney Condemns Interference with ICE Operations, Warns of Pending Arrests
Leah Foley, Massachusetts' leading federal prosecutor, warns of legal measures against individuals obstructing ICE after a disruptive event in Worcester.
BOSTON, MA – The top federal prosecutor in Massachusetts is issuing a stern warning amid recent disruptions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, promising swift legal action against those found impeding federal immigration enforcement.
Leah Foley, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, announced her office’s position following the circulation of video footage depicting a crowd interfering with an ICE arrest in Worcester last week. The incident has sparked heated debate and heightened tensions over immigration enforcement efforts in the state.
“The interference with ICE operations around Massachusetts has been disturbing, to say the least. This conduct poses significant public and officer safety risks. It is conduct that should be vilified rather than glorified,” Foley said in her official statement.
She went on to emphasize, “I will not stand idly by if any public official, public safety officer, organization, or private citizen acts in a manner that criminally obstructs or impedes ICE operations. The United States Attorney’s Office, along with our federal partners, will investigate any violations of federal law and pursue charges that are warranted by such activity.”
The statement follows chaotic scenes captured on video in Worcester, where a crowd of roughly 25 individuals confronted federal agents as they attempted to detain a woman described by authorities as a "violent criminal alien." The footage shows residents chanting, “don’t take the mother!” and “no warrant!” as ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents led the woman to a vehicle. Some members of the crowd physically blocked the SUV, resulting in a brief scuffle between an agent and a protester before local police intervened.
According to police, the Worcester Police Department eventually declared the gathering an unlawful assembly and threatened arrests, allowing the federal vehicle to depart the scene.
Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin accused Worcester District Councilor Etel Haxhiaj of "inciting chaos" and attempting to obstruct law enforcement during the incident. “ICE officers and local police regained control of the situation and ICE arrested Ferreira de Oliveira,” McLaughlin stated. She attributed the presence of the individual to prior border policies, adding, “Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem this criminal is off our streets.”
Federal authorities report that Oliveira was previously arrested by local police for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and for assault and battery on a pregnant woman. DHS officials continue to characterize her as a threat to public safety.
No details have been released regarding any charges arising from the crowd’s actions in Worcester. However, authorities are making it clear that future interference with federal immigration operations may result in federal prosecution.
The events have reignited debate over immigration policy and the role of local officials in challenging or cooperating with federal enforcement, as both sides brace for potential escalation in the months ahead.