Sheriff: Federal Operation in Charlotte Is Imminent

A North Carolina sheriff says federal immigration authorities could arrive in Charlotte as early as Saturday to begin an enforcement operation. Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden said Thursday that two federal officials confirmed the plan to him, though his office declined to identify them. McFadden noted that he has received no details about the operation and has not been asked to assist as the Trump administration shifts more of its immigration crackdown toward North Carolina’s largest city, according to the AP.

Community advocates, clergy members, and local and state leaders have already mobilized to support immigrant residents, circulating information about available resources and working to ease anxiety. A community call organized by CharlotteEAST drew nearly 500 participants on Wednesday. “The purpose of this call was to create a mutual aid network,” said City Council member-elect JD Mazuera Arias.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department also emphasized its limited role. “CMPD has no authority to enforce federal immigration laws,” the agency said in a statement. “CMPD does not participate in ICE operations, nor are we involved in planning these federal activities.”

Mazuera Arias and others said they have already received reports of plainclothes officers in neighborhoods and on public transit. “This is some of the chaos that we also saw in Chicago,” said state Sen. Caleb Theodros, who represents Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.

Theodros was among several officials who issued a statement of support for the city’s immigrant community this week. “More than 150,000 foreign-born residents live in our city, contributing billions to our economy and enriching every neighborhood with culture, hard work, and hope,” the statement said. “Our message is simple: 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.”

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein said Wednesday that the White House had not notified him of any planned federal deployment, the Charlotte Observer reported. He added that targeted action focused on violent offenders would be welcomed, but warned that past conduct by federal agents raises concerns. “If we had absolute confidence that ICE was going to come here and they were going to go and find violent, dangerous drug traffickers and criminals, and be targeted in their work, the city would welcome them with open arms,” Stein said. “If they come in and they are targeted in what they do, we will thank them. If they come in and wreak havoc and cause chaos and fear, we will be very concerned.”

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