Charlotte, NC – Federal authorities conducted enforcement operations in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Saturday, signaling an expansion of the US government’s efforts to address illegal immigration. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the operations, stating they are aimed at ensuring public safety.
According to a statement released by DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, “We are deploying DHS law enforcement personnel to Charlotte to ensure the safety and security of American communities and to remove threats to public safety. Too many have fallen victim to illegal criminal aliens.” The statement did not provide specific details regarding the nature or scope of the enforcement actions.
In response to the federal operations, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and city commissioners urged residents to seek assistance from available resources, including the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, which is not involved in the federal operations. City officials emphasized that several organizations are prepared to provide legal guidance to individuals with immigration concerns.
“There are a number of organizations on standby to assist individuals seeking legal guidance on immigration matters,” city officials stated in a release. They acknowledged that the anticipated enforcement actions have caused fear and uncertainty within the Charlotte community, particularly given reports of similar operations in other cities resulting in the detention of individuals without criminal records.
Earlier in the week, local officials stated they had been informed of a planned operation by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) starting Saturday. Democratic Representative Alma Adams expressed “deep concern” Thursday regarding the arrival of Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel in Charlotte.
The increased enforcement in Charlotte follows a ruling by a federal judge in Chicago who restricted immigration officers from employing certain aggressive tactics and mandated the use of body cameras. The ruling came after videos presented in a lawsuit allegedly showed violent clashes with protestors. The situation in Charlotte remains fluid, and DZWatch will continue to provide updates as they become available.
