CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Federal immigration authorities will expand their enforcement action in North Carolina to Raleigh as soon as Tuesday, the mayor of the state’s capital city said, while Customs and Border Protection agents continue operating in Charlotte following a weekend that saw arrests of more than 130 people in that city.
Mayor Janet Cowell said Monday that she didn’t know how large the operation would be or how long agents would be present. Immigration authorities haven’t spoken about it. The Democrat said in a statement that crime was lower in Raleigh this year compared to last year and that public safety was a priority for her and the city council.
“I ask Raleigh to remember our values and maintain peace and respect through any upcoming challenges,” Cowell stated.
U.S. immigration agents arrested more than 130 people over the weekend in a sweep through Charlotte, North Carolina’s largest city...
The movements in North Carolina come after the Trump administration launched immigration crackdowns in other cities like Los Angeles and Chicago, which are run by officials opposed to the federal government. This choice of targeting could also reflect a desire for political leverage in a state where the government is more divided.
The Department of Homeland Security has stated that its focus on North Carolina relates to the presence of so-called sanctuary policies that limit cooperation between local law enforcement and immigration agents.
Community leaders in Charlotte have expressed deep concerns regarding the forceful tactics employed by immigration officers, stating that such methods incite fear among residents rather than enhancing safety.
Concerns about community safety and perceptions of crime have been amplified in light of ongoing high-profile incidents linking urban crime to immigration, a narrative that the Trump administration continues to promote...
This crackdown has brought on protests and harsh criticisms from local leaders who claim the actions not only increase community tension but also classify residents unfairly based on their backgrounds. Advocates for immigrants argue that the methods employed stoke fear within vulnerable communities.
In conclusion, as the federal government gears up for further enforcement actions, the intersection of immigration policy and public safety continues to ignite passionate debates across North Carolina.
