Federal immigration agents came under siege from angry locals during a targeted enforcement operation in the sanctuary state of Massachusetts this week.
The chaotic episode unfolded on Thursday morning in Worcester.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), working alongside the the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), took a woman into custody as dozens of people attempted to stop them.
“Where’s the warrant?” members of the mob demanded.
— Bill Shaner (@bill_shaner) May 8, 2025
The Worcester Police Department (WPD) dispatched officers to the scene in an effort to “preserve the peace,” but tensions continued to rise.
Watch as this #Worcester neighborhood erupted in chaos as #ICE took a woman away.
— masslivenews (@masslivenews) May 8, 2025
Full story here: https://t.co/ObVJqA3xEB pic.twitter.com/iB0XBnGQU2
As federal agents were trying to leave with the female suspect, agitators engaged in physical altercations with authorities and impeded the car carrying the arrestee.
Chaos erupts in Massachusetts neighborhood as ICE drags away mom—clinging to her baby.
— LongTime🤓FirstTime👨💻 (@LongTimeHistory) May 8, 2025
The crowd asked ICE to show an ID or warrant for the arrest—agents replied, "We don’t have to show you anything."
Local police then arrested the teen daughter of woman ICE had just detained… pic.twitter.com/94DOsJ7cqQ
“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,” WPD explained in a press release.
“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.”
WATCH: @WorcesterPD arrest woman attempting to stop @ICEgov from driving off with detained suspect. Police arrived after a group of more than two dozen swarmed the federal agents. 2nd woman arrested, more charges possible. https://t.co/TwA5UqZMil@7News #Immigration… pic.twitter.com/z8y1InFFub
— Stephen Quinn (@stephenquinntv) May 9, 2025
Reports indicate the female juvenile may be the daughter of the arrested woman.
Witness footage appears to show her running alongside the vehicle and fighting with officers.
“Don’t touch me,” the female yelled repeatedly as officers attempted to restrain and handcuff her.
Another woman can be seen interfering in the apprehension before she is also taken into custody.
New video shows close-up view of ICE agents slamming the young woman's face into the ground during arrest in neighborhood raid.
— LongTime🤓FirstTime👨💻 (@LongTimeHistory) May 9, 2025
"I don't have anyone at home. They arrested my mom, my sister, and a 2-month-old baby," a family member cries out. pic.twitter.com/9vcxEICW5Y
“While officers were attempting to keep the peace, a female identified as thirty-eight-year-old Ashley Spring, of Waconah Rd, pushed multiple officers as they attempted to arrest the juvenile,” WPD stated.
Spring, a candidate for Worcester School Committee, was 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.
The juvenile was charged with Reckless Endangerment of a Child, Disturbing the Peace, Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest.
WPD is reviewing additional footage of the incident and says more charges could be brought after further investigation.