Federal immigration agents are planning to launch enforcement operations in Charlotte, North Carolina, raising alarm among local activists and community leaders. The information, shared by local authorities, indicates operations could begin soon, although federal officials have not yet made an official announcement.
Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden revealed that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection aim to begin their activities imminently. This move is part of an ongoing strategy by the Trump administration to deploy immigration agents in large Democratic-run cities, which has raised fears among those without legal status and led to a number of legal challenges against such tactics.
Charlotte, a city with a diverse population of over 900,000—including 150,000 foreign-born residents—has seen a drop in crime rates this year, prompting criticism of the administration's focus on linking crime rates to immigration policies. Activists are training volunteers to document any immigration sweeps and are providing essential rights information to immigrants in the community.
State Representative Jordan Lopez expressed concern, noting the adverse impacts of federal interventions in similar situations across the country. Local officials urged the public to respond peacefully while preparing for the potential chaos that may arise from federal operations.
While there have been calls from some Republican lawmakers for the National Guard's involvement, the state government has indicated a preference for local law enforcement to handle community safety issues, distancing from federal immigration enforcement tactics used in other regions.
As Charlotte prepares for possible immigration sweeps, community leaders remain determined to support and protect the rights of vulnerable residents amidst rising tensions and fear.
