The Department of Homeland Security alleged that Worcester City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj “pulled a political stunt and incited chaos."

The protesters plan to demand that the city council request the City Manager to draft a new policy that would prevent Worcester Police officers from becoming involved in ICE operations.

As public anger in Worcester boils over the controversial arrests of a woman and her teen daughter last week, City Hall will close early on Tuesday and a City Council meeting will be held on Zoom. The decision was made “Due [to] public safety concerns, out of an abundance of caution,” Tom Matthews, Worcester city spokesperson, said in a statement.