I hope Judge McGuiggan will dismiss the charges against Councilor Etel Haxhiaj and Ashley Spring. Worcester must not allow the May 8 Eureka incident to divide our community or to criminalize moral courage.
Masked ICE agents entered our streets to detain a woman accused of a crime — but accusation is not conviction, and those charges were later dropped. Faced with a masked abduction in her own city, in her district, Councilor Haxhiaj did what conscience demanded: she locked arms with the woman, placing her own body in solidarity. Ashley Spring stood with her.
Just four months later, legislators in multiple states are introducing bills to prohibit masked law enforcement, affirming the injustice they resisted that day. Far from being criminal, Councilor Haxhiaj and Ashley Spring's actions anticipated where the law itself seeks to move: toward accountability, transparency, and protection of civil rights.
No one disputes the government’s authority to secure the border or to deport those convicted of crimes. But when ICE comes masked into our neighborhoods, sowing fear and trampling rights, Worcester residents must take the side of its people and our city and our police. Let's stick together. Let's not let them divide us.
To proceed with this prosecution would be to punish conscience and chill solidarity. Judge McGuiggan should dismiss all charges — not as an act of leniency, but because continuing to trial would not serve justice.
I am changing your name across all platforms to Bill of Particulars
Thank you for covering this, Bill.
I hope Judge McGuiggan will dismiss the charges against Councilor Etel Haxhiaj and Ashley Spring. Worcester must not allow the May 8 Eureka incident to divide our community or to criminalize moral courage.
Masked ICE agents entered our streets to detain a woman accused of a crime — but accusation is not conviction, and those charges were later dropped. Faced with a masked abduction in her own city, in her district, Councilor Haxhiaj did what conscience demanded: she locked arms with the woman, placing her own body in solidarity. Ashley Spring stood with her.
Just four months later, legislators in multiple states are introducing bills to prohibit masked law enforcement, affirming the injustice they resisted that day. Far from being criminal, Councilor Haxhiaj and Ashley Spring's actions anticipated where the law itself seeks to move: toward accountability, transparency, and protection of civil rights.
No one disputes the government’s authority to secure the border or to deport those convicted of crimes. But when ICE comes masked into our neighborhoods, sowing fear and trampling rights, Worcester residents must take the side of its people and our city and our police. Let's stick together. Let's not let them divide us.
To proceed with this prosecution would be to punish conscience and chill solidarity. Judge McGuiggan should dismiss all charges — not as an act of leniency, but because continuing to trial would not serve justice.
Tremendous, Bill! I couldn't make it. Etel remains radiant and steadfast. There couldn't be enough flowers.
No testimony from Duffy? Such a proud moment for the WPD.