Lois Ahrens: Questions prosecution of Worcester city councilor

On Jan. 29, Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan attended a press conference with Gov. Maura Healey and Sen. Jo Comerford among many others, in support of important legislation proposed by the governor which, if passed, would according to a Feb. 2nd email by Comerford “Keep ICE out of protected places where people should feel safe — including courthouses, schools, child care programs, hospitals, and places of worship …”

On Feb. 1 there was a demonstration in front of Sullivan’s office demanding he drop the charges against Worcester City Council Etel Haxhiaj who was arrested in May by Worcester police for assaulting an officer and interfering with police.

According to WGBH, “Haxhiaj was among some 30 people who confronted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Eureka Street as they took a woman into custody. Body camera footage of the incident released by Worcester Police shows Haxhiaj pleading with the federal agents not to detain a woman. At one point, a Worcester officer pulls Haxhiaj away from a federal immigration vehicle. In the process, Haxhiaj’s hands make contact with the officer, and the councilor yells, “Do not touch me.” The police department has alleged that Haxhiaj pushed the officer in the chest and pulled the officer’s arm. Police Chief Paul Saucier has said the councilor was charged because anyone who assaults an officer or interferes with their response will be held accountable.

Sullivan’s office prosecuted Haxhiaj on behalf Worcester DA Joseph Early who asked for a change in venue. The DA chose to continue his prosecution of Etel Haxhiaj after she turned down a plea deal. Last week, Haxhiaj was found guilty of one misdemeanor count of assault and battery on a police officer. Sullivan sent a clear warning to anyone who acts to protect people from being kidnapped by ICE.

Sullivan’s constituents may be wondering which DA we elected. The one prosecuting Haxhiaj or this one from his website: “The aggressive tactics employed by federal agents are sowing fear and distrust in our communities. Fear is not a public safety strategy. It fractures trust and makes our communities less safe. Law enforcement in our Northwestern District understands how important building trust and respecting civil liberties are in keeping our communities safe.”

I encourage Sullivan to be the DA on his website.