The recent string of confrontations between ICE agents and left-wing activists has taken a dangerous and deeply troubling turn—this time in Massachusetts and New Jersey—with lawmakers and local officials now at the center of the chaos. What was once confined to fringe protests has escalated into physical obstruction, alleged assaults on officers, and even open threats from top Democrats. It’s no longer about dissent. It’s about lawlessness—and the line has been crossed.
The latest flashpoint erupted in Worcester, Massachusetts, when about 25 individuals formed a human blockade to prevent ICE from arresting a woman identified as Ferreira de Oliveira. This wasn’t some low-level immigration case. According to the Department of Homeland Security, de Oliveira had been arrested previously for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon—and for assaulting a pregnant woman.
📢 “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,” U.S. Attorney Foley said in a statement released today. 🚨 @EROBoston
READ: https://t.co/2NEE4LHo57 pic.twitter.com/lwsuSDSgNN— U.S. Attorney Massachusetts (@DMAnews1) May 14, 2025
Despite that, activists surrounded the ICE vehicle, with one young woman even holding a baby while standing in front of the car. Two people were arrested. It didn’t end there.
District Councilor Etel Haxhiaj, an elected official, is accused by the Worcester Police union of assaulting officers and inciting the crowd. She wasn’t arrested, but the union is demanding an ethics probe. Whether that happens remains to be seen, but the fact that a public official may have played an active role in obstructing a lawful arrest should alarm anyone who believes in the rule of law.
In a refreshing—and rare—moment of clarity from within the Biden-era DOJ, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley issued a no-nonsense warning:
“The interference with ICE operations around Massachusetts has been disturbing, to say the least… 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.”
That’s what leadership looks like. Foley’s willingness to pursue federal charges for criminal obstruction is a shot across the bow to radical activists and elected officials who think they’re above the law. If she follows through—and all eyes are on her now—it could finally mark the return of federal backbone in a state that’s been turning a blind eye to illegal interference.
But Massachusetts wasn’t the only hotbed. Over in New Jersey, three House Democrats allegedly inserted themselves into an ICE operation. The full scope of their involvement is still unclear, but it was enough for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to issue an implicit threat against Trump-era officials, warning of consequences if any arrests were made.
This isn’t just political theater—it’s interference with federal law enforcement. And if Jeffries’ comments were meant to intimidate officials from doing their job, he may have crossed into obstruction territory himself. At a minimum, it’s a gross abuse of power and a stain on his credibility.
Let’s be clear: no one is trying to criminalize peaceful protest. But what we’re seeing here isn’t protest. It’s physical obstruction, organized resistance, and public officials actively working to shield individuals accused of violent crimes from federal custody.
That’s not activism. That’s aiding and abetting.
And it’s all part of a growing trend where ideology trumps public safety, and radical progressives believe they have the right—not just the power—to dictate which laws apply and to whom.
