Former Worcester Councilor Convicted of Assaulting Police Officer During ICE Arrest

Etel Haxhiaj found guilty of misdemeanor charge, acquitted on separate charge of interfering with law enforcement

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A former Worcester city councilor, Etel Haxhiaj, was convicted on Wednesday of assaulting a police officer during the chaotic arrest of a Brazilian woman by federal immigration agents last year. Haxhiaj was found guilty on the misdemeanor charge but acquitted on a separate charge of interfering with law enforcement after a two-day trial in Worcester District Court.

Why it matters

The case highlights the tensions between local elected officials, law enforcement, and federal immigration authorities, as well as the ongoing debate over the role of police and the rights of protesters during such confrontations. Haxhiaj's conviction raises questions about the limits of civil disobedience and the balance between protecting constituents and respecting law enforcement authority.

The details

The charges against Haxhiaj stemmed from her interactions with a Worcester police officer moments after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents placed a 40-year-old Brazilian woman into custody on Eureka Street last May. Haxhiaj testified that she did not mean to touch the officer and was trying to protect her constituents, particularly the 17-year-old daughter of the woman detained by ICE who local police then arrested at the scene. Prosecutors argued that "peaceful political protest is a protected and cherished constitutional right, while physical assault on law enforcement officers is not."

  • The incident occurred in May 2025.
  • Haxhiaj's trial took place over two days in February 2026.
  • Haxhiaj was sentenced to six months of probation and 40 hours of community service, with her probation ending on July 28, 2026.

The players

Etel Haxhiaj

A former Worcester city councilor who was convicted of assaulting a police officer during the arrest of a Brazilian woman by federal immigration agents.

Worcester Police Department

The local law enforcement agency involved in the incident and the arrest of the Brazilian woman.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal immigration agency that detained the 40-year-old Brazilian woman, leading to the confrontation with Haxhiaj and the Worcester police.

Joe Early

The Worcester County District Attorney who recused his office from prosecuting the case, leading to the involvement of the Northwestern district attorney's office.

Ashley Spring

Another defendant in the case who avoided trial after agreeing to be placed on pretrial probation.

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What they’re saying

“At every juncture, the justice system tried to shame me into admitting something I did not do.”

— Etel Haxhiaj, Former Worcester City Councilor (Social media)

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

— Steven Gagne, First Assistant District Attorney (Statement)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Etel Haxhiaj to serve the remainder of her probation without any further restrictions.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between local officials, law enforcement, and federal immigration authorities, as well as the delicate balance between the right to protest and the need to respect law enforcement. It raises questions about the limits of civil disobedience and the responsibility of elected leaders to both protect their constituents and uphold the law.