WORCESTER — In the wake of a confrontation involving federal immigration agents, Worcester police, and bystanders on Eureka Street, Mayor Joseph Petty has filed an official order requesting the creation of a written policy outlining how city departments interact with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The May 8 incident, which resulted in the arrests of a teenager and a 38-year-old woman, drew widespread attention after bystanders reported that federal agents were refusing to show a warrant while attempting to detain a woman. According to Worcester police, officers were dispatched around 11:13 a.m. in response to reports that a federal agent was surrounded by approximately 25 people. When local police arrived, federal agents from multiple agencies were already on scene and had placed a woman in a vehicle.
Police said tensions escalated as members of the crowd allegedly tried to prevent the vehicle from leaving, with some placing their hands on officers and federal agents. A teenage girl holding a newborn reportedly stood in front of the vehicle, then handed the baby to someone else, kicked the vehicle, and attempted to block it again before being taken into custody. She was charged with child endangerment, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, and resisting arrest.
Another individual, 38-year-old Ashley Spring of Waconah Road, allegedly pushed several officers and threw an unknown liquid at them. She faces multiple charges including assault and battery on a police officer and assault with a dangerous weapon.
In a public statement, Mayor Petty expressed concern about the lack of communication between federal and city officials:
“Let’s be clear: we were not notified of ICE’s presence in Worcester until the Worcester Police were called to the scene,” Petty said. “We have not yet been provided any information about the identity of the person detained, nor where she has been placed.”
Calling the incident “profoundly disturbing,” Petty filed an order with the City Clerk requesting that the city manager and police chief develop a written policy on how the city interacts with ICE.
“I am concerned that this arrest will not be the last,” Petty stated. “I want to ensure that we have guidelines in place so that we can respond.”
Although the city has no authority to block federal immigration enforcement, Petty said local government must do what it can to protect its residents:
“While the City of Worcester cannot intervene in federal jurisdiction, I hope that we can establish a protocol so that we can respond without further harming the people in our community.”
The incident remains under investigation, and police are reviewing video footage for possible additional charges.
