US attorney for Massachusetts says interference with ICE operations is 'disturbing,' threatens arrests
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The top federal prosecutor in Massachusetts is threatening arrests for those who obstruct ICE operations, calling recent interference in her state “disturbing.” 

The warning from Leah Foley, the U.S. attorney for the District of Massachusetts, comes days after a tense video emerged of a crowd reacting to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in Worcester. 

“The interference with ICE operations around Massachusetts has been disturbing, to say the least. This conduct poses significant public and officer safety risks. It is conduct that should be vilified rather than glorified,” Foley said in a statement. 

“I will not stand idly by if any public official, public safety officer, organization or private citizen acts in a manner that criminally obstructs or impedes ICE operations. The United States Attorney’s Office, along with our federal partners, will investigate any violations of federal law and pursue charges that are warranted by such activity,” she added. 

massachusetts ice arrest 2

A crowd of people gathers around an SUV in Worcester during an ICE operation on May 8. (@iwontstealthemooniswear_ via Storyful)

DHS went on to describe Oliveira as a “violent criminal alien.” The agency said she was arrested by local police for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery on a pregnant woman. 

The video showed a group of residents chanting “don’t take the mother!” and “no warrant!” after a woman was led into an SUV by uniformed ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents. Before the vehicle can pull away, other women are seen placing their hands on the front hood of an SUV and screaming in protest.   

ICE operation in Massachusetts

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 on May 8 during an ICE operation. (@iwontstealthemooniswear_ via Storyful)

At one point, a CBP agent and a bystander start shoving each other as he tried to move her away from the SUV. The vehicle eventually left the area after the Worcester Police Department arrived and declared the scene an unlawful assembly, threatening arrests. 

Fox News Digital’s Greg Wehner and Madeleine Rivera contributed to this report. 

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