Worcester City Manager: Body Cam Footage, 911 Calls from ICE Arrest to Be Released Today Amid Calls for Unity and Policy Review

City Manager Eric Batista tells Talk of the Commonwealth the body cam footage from the controversial ICE arrest on Eureka Street will be released today (Friday May 16th) along with the 911 calls. The CM said the police department was in a difficult situation, having to respond to a chaotic scene with high tensions. Batista also acknowledged the trauma and distress caused to the family and community. “These are moments that we’re seeing across the entire nation, families being ripped apart, communities are being divided, and we’re seeing that it hit our front doorstep right here in the city of Worcester.” “We’re seeing more of those things happening across the state as well, and these are moments where, first, the families need us, our residents need us, and then we as a community, as leaders, as representatives, we need to figure out ways that we can come together to come up with solutions to protect our families, also support our police department in the tough job that they have.” He acknowledged the city does not have a specific policy on how the police department should engage with ICE, but follows MA state law that governs such interactions. Batista said that in response to the heightened tensions and threats, City Hall closed at 5PM on Tuesday, that new security measures would be implemented.