Chaotic Video Shows Neighbors Trying to Stop ICE from Detaining Mother
Introduction to the Incident
Harrowing video shows ICE agents detaining a mother in Massachusetts as dozens of neighbors surrounded the immigrant family to try and stop it. The chaos led to two arrests, including the daughter of the woman detained by ICE and a candidate for the local school board. According to Worcester Police, officers were dispatched to the area around 11:15 a.m. Thursday in response to reports of 25 people surrounding a federal agent. Someone also called to report that ICE agents were refusing to show a warrant to the crowd.
Worcester, MA ICE Operation
What We Know
Immigrant advocates told Boston.com it all started when neighbors saw federal agents interacting with a Brazilian mother who was with her 16-year-old daughter and a newborn baby. Local reports say the family had been targeted by ICE and the father was detained a day earlier. Neighbors formed a circle around the family to try and prevent ICE from detaining them as others chanted, "Don’t take the mother!" and "They don’t have a warrant!" When police arrived, federal agents had already handcuffed the mother and placed her in the back of a vehicle. The agents were trying to leave, but the "crowd was unruly" and people were putting their hands on federal agents, police said.
A still image from video showing a mother being detained by ICE in Massachusetts as neighbors try to stop it. (@iwontstealthemooniswear_ via Storyful)
Arrests and Charges
The detained mother’s 16-year-old daughter was holding a newborn baby and standing in front of the ICE vehicle. When officers told her she was endangering the baby, she handed the infant to someone else and then went after the SUV. Police said she kicked the vehicle, and officers believed she was going to try to jump in front of it. The 16-year-old was arrested for reckless endangerment of a child, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Video from NBC Boston shows the teen briefly escape from police, as officers chase her and slam her face on the ground. The infant was not injured, and immigrant advocates say the baby’s mother was not detained. Police said another woman, 38-year-old Ashley Spring, reportedly pushed multiple officers as they tried to arrest the teen. She also reportedly threw an "unknown liquid substance" on them. Spring was arrested for assault and battery on a police officer, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (unknown liquid), disorderly conduct, and interfering with a police officer. Spring is a candidate for the local school board, reports say.
City Leaders Call Video ‘Harrowing’
Reaction from City Officials
In a statement released on social media, City Manager Eric Batista called the incident "disturbing" and said footage of a family being separated is "harrowing." "My heart goes out to all those impacted by today’s events and the growing tension we all feel due to the national political climate," Batista said in the statement. Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty told Boston.com that ICE did not notify the city about their detainment plans. "The fear of ICE tearing a family apart is the worst nightmare of so many in our city," Petty said. "Simply put, we cannot have this happen in our community."
Conclusion
The incident in Worcester, Massachusetts, highlights the ongoing tensions and fears surrounding ICE operations in communities with large immigrant populations. The chaotic scene and the arrests that followed underscore the need for clear communication and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and local authorities to prevent such situations. As the community grapples with the aftermath, it also raises questions about the impact of ICE operations on families and the role of local leaders in protecting their constituents.
FAQs
What led to the ICE operation in Worcester, MA?
- The operation targeted a Brazilian mother with her 16-year-old daughter and a newborn baby, whose father had been detained a day earlier.
How did the community respond?
- Neighbors formed a circle around the family, chanting and trying to prevent the detention. The crowd became unruly, leading to confrontations with ICE agents and police.
What were the outcomes of the incident?
- The mother was detained, her 16-year-old daughter was arrested, and another woman, a local school board candidate, was also arrested for interfering with the arrest and assaulting officers.
How have city leaders responded?
- City officials have expressed concern and disturbance over the incident, emphasizing the city’s commitment to not targeting individuals based on immigration status and calling for an end to such operations that tear families apart.
- What are the broader implications of this incident?
- It highlights the fear and tension surrounding ICE operations in communities with significant immigrant populations and the need for better communication and policies to protect families and prevent such chaotic scenes.
