A former city council member in Worcester was recently found guilty by a jury on a charge of assault and battery on a police officer, stemming from a confrontation with law enforcement during an immigration-related arrest last year.
The case centers on Etel Haxhiaj, who lost her council seat in a recent election and stood trial in Worcester District Court earlier this month. The conviction came after jurors deliberated for approximately two and a half hours.
According to prosecutors, the charge relates to a chaotic scene in May 2025 when federal immigration agents were carrying out an arrest and local police officers were on the scene. Body-worn camera footage from that day captures interactions between Haxhiaj and a police officer moments after the arrest of a woman by immigration authorities.
Haxhiaj was acquitted of a second count — interfering with law enforcement — but was convicted of the single misdemeanor. At her sentencing, the judge ordered six months of probation and 40 hours of community service rather than incarceration.
During the trial, Haxhiaj maintained that she did not intend harm and said she was attempting to protect constituents, especially a teenager present at the scene. She also criticized local law enforcement and argued the situation was politically charged.
This incident drew significant attention when body cam footage and bystander recordings circulated online, showing a tense crowd and multiple law enforcement officers during the immigration arrest.
Legal experts emphasize that even in emotionally charged situations, physical confrontation with officers can lead to criminal charges, as peaceful protest and direct contact with law enforcement are treated differently under the law.
The verdict has sparked discussion across the community about public protest, law enforcement authority, and legal boundaries during high-tension encounters. Local figures on both sides of the issue have weighed in, reflecting broader debates about how such situations should be handled.
As reactions continue, the case now transitions from trial to its next legal phase, and observers await further developments. Watch the full video below to see the exact moments that have drawn national attention.
