Disorderly Crowd Interrupts Massachusetts ICE Arrest, Resulting in 2 Arrests

A tense video emerged of a Massachusetts ICE arrest being disrupted by a crowd of about 25 people in what police are calling a “chaotic incident.” 

On Thursday in Worcester, footage was recorded showing a group of residents protesting as a woman was being taken into an SUV by ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents. The residents were chanting phrases like “don’t take the mother!” and “no warrant!” Other women also stepped in by placing their hands on the SUV’s hood and shouting in objection before the vehicle could drive away.

During the incident, a confrontation occurred between a CBP agent and a bystander when the agent attempted to remove the woman from the SUV. Eventually, the Worcester Police Department intervened, declaring the gathering an unlawful assembly and threatening arrests, leading the vehicle to depart from the scene.

The city’s Democratic mayor, Joseph Petty, expressed his distress over the events involving ICE, stating that as a leader of a welcoming city, he was deeply saddened by the family separation incident, especially with Mother’s Day approaching.

A crowd of people is seen gathering around the SUV in Worcester, Mass. (@iwontstealthemooniswear_ via Storyful)

“As the vehicle went to pull away, a juvenile female had a newborn baby in her arms and was standing in front of the car with the newborn. Officers told her that she was endangering the child and that she needed to move. Eventually she complied and gave the newborn to someone else,” police also said. “As the vehicle moved away, she ran after the vehicle and kicked the passenger’s side of it. It appeared that she was going to run in front of the moving vehicle, and officers took her into custody.” 

That woman has been charged with Reckless Endangerment of a Child, Disturbing the Peace, Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest, while the infant was unharmed. 

Police said while they were taking her into custody, Ashley Spring, 38, of Worcester, “pushed multiple officers” and “threw an unknown liquid substance on them.” 

She was also arrested and has been charged with Assault and Battery on a Police Officer, Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (unknown liquid), Disorderly Conduct, and Interfering with a Police Officer. 

At one point, a CBP agent and a female bystander, left, start shoving each other as he tries to move her away from the SUV in Worcester. (@iwontstealthemooniswear_ via Storyful)

The Worcester Police Department said the “chaotic incident is still under investigation” and further charges may be forthcoming.