Federal Immigration Operation Announced for Charlotte
US Customs and Border Protection personnel are expected to arrive in Charlotte as soon as Saturday or early next week to commence an immigration enforcement operation, according to a statement from Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden. The sheriff confirmed on Thursday that two federal officials had personally informed him of the plan, though their identities have not been disclosed.
Community Mobilises Amid Information Vacuum
With specific details about the impending operation remaining undisclosed, and confirmation that local sheriff's office hasn't been asked to assist, community groups and officials have swiftly moved to support the immigrant population. A call organised by the group CharlotteEAST attracted nearly 500 participants on Wednesday, aiming to create a mutual aid network and share vital resources.
Charlotte City Councilmember-Elect JD Mazuera Arias described the session as an information resource sharing opportunity. Greg Asciutto, Executive Director of CharlotteEAST, emphasised the goal was to make people aware of helpers and support systems, whether they needed assistance or wished to volunteer.
Reports have already begun surfacing of what appear to be plainclothes officers in neighbourhoods and on local transit, according to Mazuera Arias and others.
Official Responses and Statements of Solidarity
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department was quick to clarify its position, issuing a statement confirming it has no authority to enforce federal immigration laws and does not participate in or help plan ICE operations.
State Senator Caleb Theodros, who represents Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, drew parallels to previous operations, noting, "This is some of the chaos that we also saw in Chicago." He was among several local and state officials who issued a powerful statement of solidarity this week.
The statement highlighted the significant contributions of the more than 150,000 foreign-born residents in Charlotte, who contribute billions to the local economy. It delivered a simple message: "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."
