Charlotte, North Carolina – The law enforcement department in Charlotte, North Carolina, has indicated that officials from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may take action in the city as early as Saturday.
The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, where the city is located, stated in a release that Sheriff Garry McFadden was informed by two CBP officials on Wednesday (November 12) that agents might arrive over the weekend or early next week, but they did not disclose any information regarding the nature of the operation.
The statement noted that the police would not participate in any enforcement actions by CBP or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while reaffirming their commitment to remain vigilant and continue addressing the needs of the community as usual.
It further added that the department has not been asked to partake in any operations.
Sheriff McFadden expressed in the statement, “We cherish and welcome the re-establishment of collaboration and open communication with federal partners, enabling us to stay informed, be proactive, ensure the safety of Mecklenburg County, and maintain the trust our community rightfully places in law enforcement.”
According to the Associated Press, Tricia McLaughlin, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson, declined to comment on any actions specifically related to Charlotte.
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, a Democrat, confirmed the latest information from Sheriff McFadden’s office and mentioned that her office had not received updates on the whereabouts or scope of activity of federal agents in the area.
In a social media post, she stated, “This news will bring anxiety and unease to many in our community, and I am committed to keeping the community informed to help ensure everyone feels safe and understands their rights.”
Lyles reiterated that the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department would not partake in any federal immigration enforcement actions and assured residents that they can confidently dial 911 if needed.
She also urged against spreading unverified rumors regarding law enforcement actions, emphasizing the importance of unity and reliability in times of uncertainty and fear.
As reported by North Carolina media outlet WUNC, by the year 2023, North Carolina had about 425,000 immigrants.
Due to crime issues in Charlotte, Republican state legislators requested Governor Josh Stein, a Democrat, last week to deploy the National Guard to combat the escalating crime rates. However, local media outlet WBTV reported in October that despite an increase in homicide cases in the city, overall crime rates had decreased by 20% since the previous year.
Charlotte serves as another stronghold for the Democratic Party, playing a significant role, as next year’s federal senatorial elections in the state are expected to be one of the most fiercely contested nationwide.
Community activists, religious leaders, local and state government officials have started reaching out to immigrant communities in Charlotte, sharing resources and information, comforting them, and alleviating their fears regarding the Trump administration’s actions on deporting undocumented immigrants. A telephone conference initiated by Charlotte East on Wednesday drew nearly 500 participants.
State Senator Caleb Theodros, representing Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, released a statement on Thursday, stating, “Our city has over 150,000 foreign-born residents who contribute billions to our economy and enrich every community with their culture, hard work, and aspirations. We will stand united, support each other, and ensure that fear will never divide our shared home.”
(This article was referenced from “The Hill” and PBS reports)