Former Worcester City Councilor Found Guilty on 1 of 2 Charges in ICE Protest

Etel Haxhiaj sentenced to probation and community service for interfering with police during immigration enforcement action.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Former Worcester City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj was found guilty on one of two charges related to her involvement in a protest against an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in the city. Haxhiaj was sentenced to six months of probation and 40 hours of community service for pulling on the restraints of a person in custody and shoving a police officer during the incident.

Why it matters

The case highlights the tensions between law enforcement, immigrant communities, and political activists over immigration enforcement actions. While Haxhiaj was not charged for protesting, the verdict reinforces that physical assault on officers is not protected, even during political demonstrations.

The details

According to the report, federal agents had a person in custody when protesters, including Haxhiaj, converged and 'interfered' with their ability to leave. Haxhiaj was accused of pulling on the arrested person's restraints and shoving a police officer who was trying to arrest another protester.

  • On July 2026, Haxhiaj was arraigned on the charges.
  • On February 11, 2026, Haxhiaj was sentenced by Judge Zachary Hillman.

The players

Etel Haxhiaj

A former Worcester city councilor who was found guilty on one of two charges related to her involvement in a protest against an ICE operation.

Elizabeth Halloran

Haxhiaj's lawyer.

Jose Rivera

The person who challenged Haxhiaj for her District 5 council seat and won in December.

Steven E. Gagne

The first assistant district attorney for the Northwestern district attorney's office who tried the case.

Worcester Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the protest.

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What they’re saying

“Peaceful political protest is a protected and cherished constitutional right, while physical assault on law enforcement officers is not.”

— Steven E. Gagne, First Assistant District Attorney (Boston Globe)

“The situation on Eureka Street was difficult and stressful, but not of the Worcester Police Department's making. Officers responded commendably and professionally under difficult circumstances to keep the peace.”

— Steven E. Gagne, First Assistant District Attorney (Boston Globe)

“The overwhelming number of Worcester residents and Americans across the country are opposed to armed, masked men snatching our people off our streets and neighborhoods, terrifying mothers, children, fathers, families, and whole communities.”

— Etel Haxhiaj (Boston Globe)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Etel Haxhiaj to serve her sentence on probation.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement, immigrant communities, and political activists over immigration enforcement actions. While the verdict reinforces that physical assault on officers is not protected, even during protests, it also underscores the deep divisions in the community over these issues.