Immigration Enforcement NC | Customs and Border agents to target Raleigh this week, state senator confirms
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Federal agents with ICE, Customs and Border Protection will be in Raleigh as early as Tuesday this week.
Sen. Graig Meyer, a Democrat who represents Caswell, Person, and Orange counties, confirmed a report to ABC11.
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Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell confirmed to ABC11 that federal agents will be in Raleigh on Tuesday.
“As the capital city, it is important to us that everyone who lives, works, plays, and learns in Raleigh feels safe,” Cowell said in a statement. “We have been made aware that Customs and Border Protection are coming to Raleigh. While the Raleigh Police Department is not involved in immigration enforcement, we are committed to protecting our residents and to following the law. I can confirm that RPD has not participated in any immigration planning activities.
“Above all, Raleigh is a safe city, with crime down year-over-year. Public safety is a priority for me and this City Council,” the mayor continued. “This is a key moment to reaffirm our commitment to serving all members of our community. If you need help from the police, you call 911, and help will come. I ask Raleigh to remember our values and maintain peace and respect through any upcoming challenges. Together we are Raleigh Strong.”
Other Democrats, including Durham Mayor Leo Williams and Gov. Josh Stein also reacted to the news of federal action.
“We denounce any effort that promotes exclusion, incites fear, undermines human rights and compromises safety,” Williams said. “Durham does not operate from fear. We lead with compassion, justice and determination. Our schools, neighborhoods and places of employment are stronger because of the diversity of the cultures, languages and experiences that define Durham.”
Stein said, “Our office is aware of reports that the Border Patrol is bringing its operation to Raleigh. Once again, I call on federal agents to target violent criminals, not neighbors walking down the street, going to church, or putting up Christmas decorations. Stop targeting people simply going about their lives because of the color of their skin, as you are doing in Charlotte. To the people of Raleigh: remain peaceful, and if you see something wrong, record it and report it to local law enforcement. Let’s keep each other safe.”
In Morrisville, Councilmember Steve Rao said he was already getting messages from people wondering what documentation they should carry with them.
“Uncertainty about paper work, what kind of paperwork should I have in my car if I’m driving, do I need to have my immigration status, my visa, am I waiting for a green card?” said Rao.
Agents spent the weekend in Charlotte. Protests were held across Charlotte before and during the agents’ presence.
While many of the raids in Charlotte targeted Hispanic-owned businesses, Rao also worried about the possible effects on Morrisville’s large South Asian population.
“So there is this fear and uncertainty about how you’re treated, how you’re handled,” Rao said. “I think many Indian-Americans are here legally on skilled immigration visas. There’s been concerns about fees being increased to $100,000 from $5,000 for applying for those. And if there are people here illegally, whether their paperwork has transpired or whatever, these people need to know their rights.”
On Sunday in Raleigh, hundreds of people marched from Moore Square to the State Capitol in downtown Raleigh to protest what they saw happening in Charlotte.
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A top Border Patrol commander touted dozens of arrests in North Carolina’s largest city on Sunday as Charlotte residents reported encounters with federal immigration agents near churches and apartment complexes. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched Operation Charlotte’s Web, which they say resulted in more than 80 arrests.
The Trump administration has made the Democrat-run city of about 950,000 people its latest target for an immigration enforcement surge it says will combat crime, despite fierce objections from local leaders and declining crime rates.
Morrisville issues safety guidance
Meanwhile, Morrisville’s mayor Pro-Tem Satish Garimella posted this guidance and warning on Facebook for people who live in Morrisville and Wake County.
“We’ve received information that there may be ICE activity in the Raleigh area tomorrow might be a day or more. Out of an abundance of caution, please make sure you have your ID, a copy of your passport, and any important immigration documents with you if you need to go out. It’s also a good idea to keep your original documents in a safe place where someone you trust can access them if needed. If you prefer and are able to stay home, that is also an option. Sharing this only to ensure everyone stays informed and prepared. Please pass this message along to anyone who might need it. Thank you and stay safe.” Satish Garimella
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