Fitchburg, Massachusetts — The Fitchburg police are defending their response during a tense immigration arrest on Thursday morning after a video showing a man appearing to suffer a seizure while holding a child went viral on social media.
The incident unfolded on Kimball Street, where federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detained a woman identified as Juliana Milena Ojeda-Montoya, an Ecuadorian national. During the arrest, her husband appeared to collapse while clutching their young child, prompting emotional reactions from bystanders who shouted for officers to help.
Witnesses captured footage of the chaotic moment, showing people pleading with officers to protect the family while Fitchburg police ordered the crowd to step back. The video quickly spread online, drawing criticism and sparking questions about the handling of the situation.
Homeland Security Responds: “No Legitimate Medical Episode”
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), defended the federal operation on Friday, describing it as a “targeted ICE arrest.”
According to McLaughlin, emergency medical personnel were called to the scene but found “no legitimate medical episode” after evaluating the man.
“ICE called 911, and the illegal alien refused any medical care,” McLaughlin stated on social media, adding that the man showed no signs of distress shortly after the incident.
She further identified Ojeda-Montoya as a “violent criminal illegal alien,” alleging she had a prior record that included an August arrest for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Authorities claim she stabbed a coworker with scissors and threw a trash barrel during a workplace altercation.
Details of the ICE Operation and Police Response
According to Fitchburg police, ICE agents initially requested assistance at around 7:10 a.m. when they stopped a vehicle believed to be carrying Ojeda-Montoya, her husband, and their child. Local officers were dispatched to maintain order and ensure safety but left the area after confirming the situation was under control.
“The role of the Fitchburg Police Department in this type of situation is to keep the peace,” the department said in an official statement. “Our officers ensure public and officer safety. We do not enforce federal immigration laws, nor do we interfere with lawful actions by other law enforcement agencies.”
Later that morning, at approximately 8:03 a.m., ICE officials called again for backup, reporting that a crowd had gathered and tensions were escalating. Fitchburg police returned with additional officers, including a supervisor and captain, and confirmed that the situation had become “hostile.”
In response, local authorities temporarily closed a section of Kimball Street to control the crowd and maintain safety.
ICE Completes Arrest; Family Released
ICE agents ultimately took Ojeda-Montoya into custody shortly before 9 a.m., while her husband and child were allowed to leave. Fitchburg police stated that no further disturbances occurred following her arrest.
The department emphasized that their involvement was limited to maintaining order and protecting public safety during the operation. They also referred all additional inquiries to ICE, which did not immediately respond to media requests for comment.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Debate
The viral video has fueled renewed debate about cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. Community members and advocacy groups have voiced concerns over the emotional distress caused to the child and the family’s treatment during the arrest.
Supporters of the Fitchburg police and ICE argue that the officers acted appropriately under challenging circumstances, maintaining control amid a chaotic and potentially volatile crowd. Others, however, are calling for a review of how local police respond to federal immigration actions within city limits.
As the footage continues to circulate online, both federal and local agencies stand by their conduct, insisting that proper procedures were followed. The Fitchburg police reaffirmed their position that their role is solely to “keep the peace and protect everyone involved.”
