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Former Worcester Councilor Convicted of Assaulting Officer in Split Verdict Over 2025 ICE Arrest

Jurors delivered a split verdict based on police body-camera footage from the 2025 ICE arrest.

Overview

  • Judge Zachary Hillman sentenced Etel Haxhiaj to six months of probation and 40 hours of community service.
  • The jury cleared her of a separate charge of interfering with a police officer after roughly two and a half hours of deliberation.
  • The Northwestern District Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case to avoid a conflict, arguing Haxhiaj intentionally pushed Officer Shauna McGuirk.
  • The defense said any contact was a reflex while she tried to protect constituents, and a decision on an appeal has not been made.
  • The incident occurred on Eureka Street during an ICE arrest that drew protests and preceded a city order limiting police cooperation with federal immigration agents.