On Thursday, Sept. 25, Worcester City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj appeared in court to defend herself against criminal charges that were brought in response to her actions during a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrest that happened on Eureka Street in May 2025. Beginning at 8:30 a.m., around 60 people rallied outside of the Worcester District Court. Many had signs, with some saying “Etel is 4 us! WPD is 4 ICE” and “We stand with Etel.”
Two court officers approached people rallying to talk about why they were outside rallying in support for Haxhiaj. Later on, another court officer approached the ralliers to tell them that, according to state law, they could not impede and attempt to influence an ongoing court case, and asked the ralliers to move across the street, as they could not be on court property. The group moved away from the steps and closer to the road.
“I wanted to support Etel… She’s such a small of stature, but great of strength, and I just want to be here to support her,” said Worcester resident Daria Meshenuk…