Charlotte, N.C. (AP) — The next city bracing for the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown is Charlotte, North Carolina, which could see an influx of federal agents as early as this weekend, a county sheriff said Thursday.
Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden announced that two federal officials confirmed a plan for U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents to initiate an enforcement operation on Saturday or early next week, although specific details have not been disclosed. His office has not been asked to assist with this operation.
The Department of Homeland Security has refrained from commenting on potential operations. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, 'Every day, DHS enforces the laws of the nation across the country. We do not discuss future or potential operations.'
In response, activists, faith leaders, and local officials in North Carolina’s largest city have begun preparing the immigrant community by sharing information about available resources and calming fears regarding the enforcement actions. A teleconference organized by CharlotteEAST attracted nearly 500 participants on Wednesday.
City Councilmember-Elect JD Mazuera Arias spoke about the importance of forming a mutual aid network to disseminate information. Local organizations and leaders are actively creating support systems for residents who may be affected.
CharlotteEAST executive director Greg Asciutto emphasized the need for awareness, saying, 'Let’s get as many people as possible aware of the helpers and those doing the work that individuals can plug into.'
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department clarified its position on this issue, asserting it does not have the authority to enforce federal immigration laws and does not participate in ICE operations.
Reports of unidentified officers appearing in neighborhoods have begun to surface, contributing to community anxiety. State Senator Caleb Theodros highlighted this situation's similarities to previous events in Chicago, reaffirming the need for community solidarity.
'Our message is simple: Mecklenburg County and Charlotte are communities of belonging. We will stand together, look out for one another, and ensure that fear never divides the city we all call home,' he stated.
Training sessions for local volunteers to recognize legitimate ICE agents and understand their rights are also underway as community organizations like Indivisible Charlotte prepare for any potential confrontations during the enforcement actions.
Amidst these tensions, local organizers have highlighted the resilience and commitment of Charlotte’s immigrant population, which numbers around 150,000, emphasizing their contributions to the community, economy, and culture.
Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden announced that two federal officials confirmed a plan for U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents to initiate an enforcement operation on Saturday or early next week, although specific details have not been disclosed. His office has not been asked to assist with this operation.
The Department of Homeland Security has refrained from commenting on potential operations. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, 'Every day, DHS enforces the laws of the nation across the country. We do not discuss future or potential operations.'
In response, activists, faith leaders, and local officials in North Carolina’s largest city have begun preparing the immigrant community by sharing information about available resources and calming fears regarding the enforcement actions. A teleconference organized by CharlotteEAST attracted nearly 500 participants on Wednesday.
City Councilmember-Elect JD Mazuera Arias spoke about the importance of forming a mutual aid network to disseminate information. Local organizations and leaders are actively creating support systems for residents who may be affected.
CharlotteEAST executive director Greg Asciutto emphasized the need for awareness, saying, 'Let’s get as many people as possible aware of the helpers and those doing the work that individuals can plug into.'
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department clarified its position on this issue, asserting it does not have the authority to enforce federal immigration laws and does not participate in ICE operations.
Reports of unidentified officers appearing in neighborhoods have begun to surface, contributing to community anxiety. State Senator Caleb Theodros highlighted this situation's similarities to previous events in Chicago, reaffirming the need for community solidarity.
'Our message is simple: Mecklenburg County and Charlotte are communities of belonging. We will stand together, look out for one another, and ensure that fear never divides the city we all call home,' he stated.
Training sessions for local volunteers to recognize legitimate ICE agents and understand their rights are also underway as community organizations like Indivisible Charlotte prepare for any potential confrontations during the enforcement actions.
Amidst these tensions, local organizers have highlighted the resilience and commitment of Charlotte’s immigrant population, which numbers around 150,000, emphasizing their contributions to the community, economy, and culture.
