CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Officials and community advocates opposing a federal immigration crackdown in North Carolina's largest city described the situation as an 'invasion' and urged residents to engage in peaceful protests while documenting agents' actions from a distance.
Mecklenburg County Commissioner Susan Rodriguez-McDowell emphasized the unusual political climate, stating, 'We are living in the strangest of times... they want to film an episode of shock and awe show here in our city.' Her comments emerge as Sheriff Garry McFadden revealed that federal officials indicated a U.S Customs and Border Protection operation would begin imminently, spurring community preparations reflective of recent enforcement actions seen in cities like Chicago.
'When the federal government gets involved, we’ve seen undisciplined agents pointing weapons at unarmed civilians,' asserted state Rep. Jordan Lopez, calling for vigilance among residents. He recalled incidents of aggressive sweeps in neighborhoods during nighttime that led to widespread fears among the populace.
Local and state officials reported receiving no official notification from the Trump administration regarding the operation. However, community organizations are proactive, training volunteers on how to safely document the enforcement actions while ensuring immigrants are informed about their rights.
Héctor Vaca, director of immigrant justice for Action NC, condemned the administration's actions as a 'racist campaign of terror.'
The Trump administration has justified deploying immigration agents into Democratic-led cities, citing the need to combat crime and enforce immigration laws. The situation in Charlotte, which is home to a significant population of foreign-born residents, has drawn increased scrutiny, particularly following a recent high-profile crime reportedly used by the administration to highlight alleged safety failures in these cities.
Local leaders have echoed concerns over maintaining public safety and confirmed that the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has no role in federal immigration enforcement. Incoming council member JD Mazuera Arias, a naturalized citizen, reiterated a commitment to protect the rights of immigrants, emphasizing that the city would not engage in punitive measures against its residents.
'Our Queen City will not become a staging ground for fear,' he proclaimed. Advocates like Cameron Pruette urged the support of immigrant-owned businesses amidst ongoing tensions and challenged community members to stand united against intimidation tactics.
This call to action reflects a broader movement in cities nationwide against aggressive immigration policies, highlighting the necessity for community solidarity against divisive tactics.
