US attorney for Massachusetts says interference with ICE operations is 'disturbing,' threatens arrests
Share and Follow

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. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
5 arrested in shooting of Indiana judge Judge Steven Meyer

Five Individuals Apprehended in Connection with Shooting of Indiana Judge Steven Meyer

In a shocking incident, five individuals have been apprehended in connection with…
Idaho murder victims’ families file wrongful death lawsuit against Washington State University

Outrage Erupts as Crime Scene Photos Leak in Idaho Murder Case: Families Demand Justice

WARNING: Graphic Content Photos from the 2022 murder scene of four University…
'The Traitors' Season 4 Episode 6 Recap

Unraveling Mysteries: ‘The Traitors’ Season 4, Episode 6 Breakdown

In a surprising twist on The Traitors, contestants discovered that sometimes trust…
City of Jacksonville employee reinstated after internal investigation into ICE-related comments

Jacksonville Employee Returns to Work Following Probe into ICE Remarks

Yanira “Yaya” Cardona has returned to her role as the Hispanic Outreach…
Dr. Phil's son blocked from using 'life-threatening' NYPD footage

Controversy Arises as Dr. Phil’s Son Faces Ban Over Potentially Dangerous NYPD Footage

In a recent legal twist, a judge in New York City has…
Austin Felts of the Nashville Department of Transportation drives a truck deploying salt brine on roadways Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. ahead of a winter storm expected to hit the state over the weekend. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Freezing Rain Alert: Millions Brace for Power and Heat Outages Amid Weather Crisis

ATLANTA (AP) — Each morning this week, Keith Avery, CEO of Newberry…
Two Clay County deputies injured in on-duty dog attack: CCSO

Clay County Deputies Sustained Injuries in On-Duty Canine Incident: CCSO Reports

In Clay County, a routine call for service on Foxtail Avenue took…
A woman films a Homeland Security Investigations agent at a parking lot at Deering Oaks Park, Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, in Portland, Maine.(AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Collins and Mills Adopt Divergent Strategies on ICE’s Comprehensive Enforcement Operation in Maine

In the picturesque state of Maine, two prominent figures from opposing political…