A tense video emerged of a Massachusetts ICE arrest being disrupted by a crowd of about 25 people in what police are calling a “chaotic incident.” 

Video footage from Thursday in Worcester depicts a group of locals chanting “don’t take the mother!” and “no warrant!” as a woman is escorted into an SUV by officers from ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Before the vehicle can depart, other women place their hands on the SUV’s hood, shouting in protest.  

At another moment, a confrontation arises between a CBP agent and a bystander, resulting in pushing as he attempts to move her away from the SUV. The vehicle eventually leaves once the Worcester Police Department arrives, announcing an unlawful assembly and warning of arrests. 

“I am troubled by today’s incident involving ICE. As someone who takes pride in fostering an inclusive city, I am heartbroken to learn about the separation of a family, especially with Mother’s Day approaching,” expressed Joseph Petty, the city’s Democratic mayor, on the platform X.  

A crowd of people is seen gathering around the SUV in Worcester, Mass. (@iwontstealthemooniswear_ via Storyful)

“As the vehicle went to pull away, a juvenile female had a newborn baby in her arms and was standing in front of the car with the newborn. Officers told her that she was endangering the child and that she needed to move. Eventually she complied and gave the newborn to someone else,” police also said. “As the vehicle moved away, she ran after the vehicle and kicked the passenger’s side of it. It appeared that she was going to run in front of the moving vehicle, and officers took her into custody.” 

That woman has been charged with Reckless Endangerment of a Child, Disturbing the Peace, Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest, while the infant was unharmed. 

Police said while they were taking her into custody, Ashley Spring, 38, of Worcester, “pushed multiple officers” and “threw an unknown liquid substance on them.” 

She was also arrested and has been charged with Assault and Battery on a Police Officer, Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (unknown liquid), Disorderly Conduct, and Interfering with a Police Officer. 

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. (@iwontstealthemooniswear_ via Storyful)

The Worcester Police Department said the “chaotic incident is still under investigation” and further charges may be forthcoming.