WORCESTER, Mass. - Thursday’s arrests on Eureka Street have led to multiple protests in Worcester and now Spectrum News 1 is hearing from the District Attorney’s office, as well as the local police patrol officer’s union.

In an email to Spectrum News 1, the Department of Homeland Security identified Ferreira de Oliveira as the target of last week’s ICE operation, saying Ferreira de Oliveira was arrested on February 1, 2025 by WPD for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and assault and battery on a pregnant victim. They said on February 3, 2025, the Worcester District Court arraigned her on those charges which remain open.

During her arrest on Thursday a large crowd gathered on the street. WPD officers responded to a disturbance on Eureka Terrace involving federal agents and a group that had formed. Two individuals were placed under arrest by Worcester Police; one is a juvenile female.

When asked for an update on the situation on Monday, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early cited rules of professional conduct which don’t allow discussion of pending cases.

“We ask those things to unfold in the courtroom. You know, those aren't something I can address," Early said. "You know, the Worcester Police, we have a good relation, great relationship with the police. They do their job. They bring the cases to us. But I can't specifically speak with regards to those cases. (rule) 3.8 is very clear that we can't make an extra judicial comment on things of that nature with regards to pending cases.”

The Worcester Police Patrolman’s Union Local 911 has also released statements criticizing Worcester City Councilor Etal Haxiaj during Thursday’s incident.

The union claimed she incited the crowd to grow more aggressive toward law enforcement and even assaulted officers.

“There's nothing more important than our relationship with the public; it's extremely important and we value that relationship," president Thomas Duffy said. "We care deeply about the community of Worcester and its residents. That being said, there's never acceptable for anybody to jeopardize the safety of any police officer, whether it be local, state, federal, it's unacceptable. And anybody that dangers the safety of law enforcement officers needs to be held accountable.”

Councilor Haxhiaj has not responded to Spectrum News 1 for comment at this time.

The progressive group Worcester Indivisible plans to hold a press conference to speak out against ICE before and during Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

Due public safety concerns, out of an abundance of caution, the City of Worcester announced Monday that Worcester City Hall will close to the public at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.