Worcester Mayor Joe Petty Addresses Council Meeting Disruptions, Community Protests, and Law Enforcement Concerns

As protests over ICE policies disrupt City Hall, Mayor Petty urges calm, condemns incitement, and reminds residents of the Council’s duty to serve Worcester.

By Hank Stolz | Radio Worcester

(Photo-Radio Worcester)

WORCESTER, MASS- On June 11, just one week after the anniversary of Officer Manny Familia’s tragic drowning while attempting a rescue, Worcester Mayor Joe Petty joined The Talk of the Commonwealth to reflect on recent community tensions and political unrest, including the abrupt shutdown of the latest City Council meeting.

The show opened with a somber acknowledgment of the reported drowning of a four-year-old in Lake Quinsigamond. “My condolences and my prayers go out to the family,” Petty said. “People have to be careful out there… especially when it comes to water, swimming pools, lakes.”

But the focus quickly turned to Tuesday night’s chaotic City Council meeting, which was derailed by vocal protesters chanting “ICE out of Worcester,” continuing public outrage over a recent arrest on Eureka Street and immigration enforcement policies.

“It’s come to a point where we have to get the people’s business done,” said Petty. “We weren’t able to do that again.”

The mayor described escalating tensions, including scared citizens in attendance, damage to City Hall property, and a group that followed councilors out of the building. Petty ultimately recessed the meeting to restore order but said, “Enough’s enough.”

Debating the Limits of Protest and the Role of City Government

Protesters’ frustrations appear rooted in the broader issue of immigration enforcement under federal jurisdiction, a reality Petty says the city can do little about.

“ICE can go anywhere they want in the country,” he explained. “At one time, they just went after criminals. Now, they’re going after everybody, unfortunately.”

Hank Stolz pressed the mayor on what protestors realistically hope to achieve by shutting down local governance. Petty acknowledged their anger at federal policy but insisted, “We’re a city council… people expect us to take care of the schools, the streets, public safety—and get the budget done.”

Councilor Conflict and Accusations of Incitement

The mayor also responded to fallout from a controversial post by City Councilor Thu Nguyen, which included phrases like “Abolish ICE” and “Solidarity with LA,” and encouraged participation in protests. Councilor Kate Toomey called the post inciting and irresponsible, pointing to disruption of city business and suggesting some colleagues were “egging on” unrest.

“You have a higher responsibility to keep people safe,” said Petty, while affirming that peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy. “In that room last night, no, I don’t think anyone was encouraging violence. They were encouraging protest.”

Petty acknowledged the emotional energy surrounding Councilor Etel Haxhiaj’s involvement in the Eureka Street incident, stating, “You can never touch a police officer under any circumstances… It’s unfortunate. It’ll play out in court.”

Policing, Public Perception, and Democracy

Despite rising tensions, Petty voiced support for the Worcester Police Department, highlighting their professionalism both during protests and in day-to-day operations.

“There was a nice article about the murder rate in Worcester,” he noted. “Zero to date. I just want to compliment the police.”

He also pushed back against speculation that police union pressure led to charges against Haxhiaj. “The chief’s his own man,” said Petty. “He’s not going to be intimidated by anybody.”

Looking Ahead

As for the future of Council meetings, Petty said he prefers to avoid going remote. “I’d rather have in-person… You can read the room, read people,” he said. A final decision on how to proceed will be made after discussions with the City Manager and police.

In closing, the mayor reflected on the broader mood of the city. “There are a lot of positive things happening,” he said, pointing to recent cultural festivals and low crime. “We like living here in Worcester. We just have to stick together.”