The Great Read: A Councilwoman Intervened During an ICE Arrest. Then She Faced the Voters.
Months before the election, Etel Haxhiaj, a councilwoman in Worcester, Mass., was charged with assaulting an officer when she stood between the police and an immigrant family.
The New York Times
The Great Read

November 17, 2025, 2:01 p.m. Eastern time

On weekdays and Sundays, we recommend one piece of exceptional writing from The Times — a narrative or essay that takes you someplace you might not expect to go.

Etel Haxhiaj stands outside among a group of people with umbrellas. She appears pensive.

Cassandra Klos for The New York Times

A Councilwoman Intervened During an ICE Arrest. Then She Faced the Voters.

Months before the election, Etel Haxhiaj, a councilwoman in Worcester, Mass., was charged with assaulting an officer when she stood between the police and an immigrant family.

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