Ex-Worcester City Councilor Stands Trial After ICE Arrest Confrontation

Etel Haxhiaj accused of assaulting police officer during tense immigration enforcement incident

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Former Worcester city councilor Etel Haxhiaj is on trial for charges of assault and battery on a police officer and interference with police during a confrontation last spring involving federal immigration agents and a crowd of residents. Haxhiaj's defense attorney argues she was defending herself after being grabbed and pulled by a Worcester police officer, while prosecutors say she shoved the officer. The trial features conflicting witness accounts and video evidence.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tensions and complexities surrounding immigration enforcement actions, with local officials and community members clashing with law enforcement over the detention of undocumented immigrants. It raises questions about the appropriate use of force by police, the rights of bystanders, and the role of elected officials in such charged situations.

The details

Haxhiaj, a former District 5 city councilor, is accused of assaulting a Worcester police officer and interfering with the arrest of a 40-year-old Brazilian woman by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Prosecutors say Haxhiaj put her hands on and pushed Officer Shauna McGuirk as she tried to prevent people from standing in front of the ICE vehicle. Haxhiaj's attorney argues she only raised her hands in self-defense after being "grabbed and pulled and shoved" by McGuirk. Two civilian witnesses testified they did not see Haxhiaj shove the officer, while another said the officer appeared to forcefully move Haxhiaj without consent. Police decided not to arrest Haxhiaj at the scene to avoid further inflaming the chaotic situation.

  • The incident occurred on May 8, 2026.
  • Haxhiaj's trial began on February 10, 2026.

The players

Etel Haxhiaj

A former Worcester city councilor who is on trial for charges of assault and battery on a police officer and interference with police during the confrontation.

Shauna McGuirk

A Worcester police officer who was allegedly shoved by Haxhiaj during the incident.

Rosane Ferreira-De Oliveira

A 40-year-old Brazilian woman who was detained by federal ICE agents, sparking the confrontation.

Ashley Spring

A former school committee candidate who was also arrested during the incident but later reached a plea agreement with prosecutors.

Elizabeth Halloran

Haxhiaj's defense attorney who argues she was defending herself from the police officer.

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What they’re saying

“As Officer McGuirk is escorting her away from the vehicle, the defendant breaks free and then shoves the officer with both hands, making physical contact with the officer.”

— Steven Gagne, Special Prosecutor (masslive.com)

“It appeared forceful. (McGuirk) moved her without her consent.”

— Worcester resident (masslive.com)

“It was already a chaotic scene and we didn't want to make it worse.”

— Shauna McGuirk, Worcester Police Officer (masslive.com)

What’s next

Jurors are expected to begin deliberations on Wednesday to determine the outcome of Haxhiaj's trial.

The takeaway

This case underscores the tensions and complexities surrounding immigration enforcement actions, with local officials, community members, and law enforcement clashing over the appropriate use of force and the rights of bystanders. It raises broader questions about the role of elected officials and the balance between public safety and civil liberties in such charged situations.