Worcester, September 5, 2025
News Summary
A 13-year-old daughter of detained mother Rosane Ferreira De Oliveira was found safe and returned to DCF custody, while her 17-year-old sister, Nayara Ferreira De Moura, remains missing. The young girls were placed in DCF care following their mother’s arrest by federal immigration agents last May. The community has raised concerns over the handling of the situation and the ongoing search for Nayara, who may have traveled to Brazil. Local activists are demanding accountability and a review of child welfare oversight.
Worcester: 13-Year-Old Daughter of Detained Mother Found Safe; 17-Year-Old Remains Missing
Key update: A 13-year-old daughter of Rosane Ferreira De Oliveira, a Brazilian woman detained by federal immigration authorities, was located safe in Massachusetts last week and returned to the care of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF). Her 17-year-old sister, Nayara Ferreira De Moura, continues to be missing from DCF custody and was last seen in early June in Lancaster, Massachusetts.
What happened
Federal immigration agents arrested Rosane Ferreira De Oliveira on May 8, 2025. Following the arrest, both of her daughters were placed in DCF custody. The arrest, which took place on Eureka Street in Worcester, drew immediate attention after community members and bystanders said the scene was chaotic and that family members tried to physically intervene to protect the mother.
Current status of the children
The younger child, age 13, was reported missing in July along with her older sister and was located last week in Massachusetts. The 13-year-old is now back in DCF custody. The older daughter, 17-year-old Nayara Ferreira De Moura, remains missing from DCF care. Authorities and a national missing-children organization confirm Nayara is still unlocated. She was last seen in early June in Lancaster and there are reports she may have traveled to Brazil to be with an older sibling, identified in reports as Augusta Clara Moura.
Notable developments and reports
- During the May arrest, witnesses reported that agents used a close family member to draw the mother outside the home; community members described the scene as emotional and confrontational.
- Both daughters reportedly attempted to shield their mother during the arrest, forming what witnesses described as a human ring.
- In August, a woman from Philadelphia reported she had unknowingly given the 13-year-old a ride from Worcester to Maple Shade, New Jersey, raising questions about the child’s movements while reported missing.
- Community activists have expressed concerns about local police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and urged that public safety responses prioritize community trust and safety.
Detention and local responses
Rosane Ferreira De Oliveira has been held in federal custody in New Hampshire since her arrest on May 8, 2025. The arrest prompted protests in Worcester, with hundreds of people taking part in demonstrations against the conduct of federal immigration agents. The incident also led to an examination of how local authorities handled the case and how child welfare placements were managed after the mother’s detention.
Legal and political actions
A Worcester City Councilor was charged with assault after confronting immigration agents during the arrest and has pleaded not guilty to the charge. The filing of charges intensified debate in the city about the role of elected officials during law-enforcement operations and about community oversight of federal agents operating locally.
Investigations and missing person status
After the daughters were placed into DCF custody, reports that both children were missing prompted a local inquiry into how they were supervised and how DCF monitored their placement. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has confirmed that the 17-year-old remains missing and continues to be the subject of efforts to locate her.
What officials and community leaders are saying
Community groups and activists have called for clearer rules and accountability when local police interact with federal immigration authorities. They have also pushed for improved processes to protect children and ensure that child welfare agencies maintain close supervision when minors enter state care following law-enforcement actions.
What to watch next
Key developments to monitor include any updates on the whereabouts of Nayara Ferreira De Moura, findings from any local investigations into DCF procedures related to the case, and any legal proceedings tied to the arrest or to protests that followed. Authorities continue outreach to the public for information that could help locate the missing 17-year-old.
FAQ
How old are the children involved?
The children are 13 and 17 years old. The 13-year-old has been found and is in DCF care; the 17-year-old remains missing.
When and where was the mother arrested?
The mother, Rosane Ferreira De Oliveira, was arrested on May 8, 2025, on Eureka Street in Worcester and has been held in federal custody in New Hampshire since that date.
Where was the 17-year-old last seen?
The 17-year-old, Nayara Ferreira De Moura, was last reported seen in early June in Lancaster, Massachusetts. She remains missing from DCF custody.
Has anyone been charged in relation to the arrest or protests?
A Worcester City Councilor was charged with assault after confronting agents during the arrest and has pleaded not guilty. Additional inquiries about law-enforcement conduct have been raised by local officials and community groups.
What agencies are involved in locating the missing teen?
Local law enforcement, child welfare authorities, and national missing-children organizations are involved in efforts to locate the missing 17-year-old.
How can the public provide information?
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the missing 17-year-old should contact local law enforcement or a national missing-children hotline. Tips may also be submitted to child welfare agencies handling the case.
Useful contact information
| Agency / Resource | What it’s for | How to contact |
|---|---|---|
| Local police (Worcester) | Report immediate threats or provide tips about local incidents | Call 911 for emergencies; use the Worcester Police non-emergency number listed on the city website for non-urgent reports |
| Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) | Child welfare oversight and inquiries about children placed in state care | Contact information available via the Massachusetts state website (mass.gov/dcf) |
| National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) | Report tips about missing children and obtain resources | Call 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) |
| Local child welfare or social services | Report concerns about child safety and placements | Contact through municipal or state social services directories |
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston
- BBC News
- Rolling Stone
- Wikipedia: Child Welfare in the United States
- Google Search: Worcester missing person Nayara Ferreira De Moura
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BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
