Federal Immigration Enforcement Expands in North Carolina Amid Political Tensions

Tue Nov 18 2025 11:15:08 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The federal crackdown on immigration in North Carolina intensifies, as federal agents focus on Raleigh following a controversial operation in Charlotte that led to over 130 arrests.

In the wake of a federal immigration enforcement operation that resulted in more than 130 arrests in Charlotte, federal authorities will expand their crackdown to Raleigh. Mayor Janet Cowell expressed concern about the operation, emphasizing the importance of public safety while asking residents to remember their community values amid escalating tensions surrounding immigration policies driven by the Trump administration.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Quanta Report) — Federal immigration authorities are set to expand their enforcement actions in North Carolina, with operations commencing in Raleigh as early as Tuesday. This development follows a weekend operation in Charlotte where over 130 individuals were arrested by Customs and Border Protection agents.

Mayor Janet Cowell announced the planned expansion on Monday, expressing uncertainty regarding the scale and duration of the federal presence in Raleigh. Crime rates in Raleigh have decreased this year, and public safety remains a priority for myself and the city council, she stated.

In Charlotte, the recent arrests led to substantial backlash, with reports indicating that many individuals apprehended had previous criminal records, raising alarms about the administration's approach to immigration enforcement.

The immigration crackdown in North Carolina aligns with efforts from the Trump administration targeting cities with perceived sanctuary policies, particularly those that limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents. Experts suggest this move might be politically motivated, as cities like Charlotte reflect a shift toward Democrat-led policies.

While federal officials claim the raids enhance public safety, local leaders, including the Charlotte mayor, have raised serious concerns about the potential harm these operations could bring to the community. The tensions around immigration enforcement illustrate the complexities of balancing public safety and immigration policy in a politically divided landscape.