Charlotte leaders push back as federal immigration raids begin in North Carolina

US federal agents carried out immigration raids in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Saturday, marking an expansion of the US government’s enforcement actions into the southeastern states. 

City officials, including Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and members of the city commission, urged residents affected by the raids to reach out for support. They emphasised that the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is not assisting federal authorities in the operation. Local leaders noted that legal aid groups are prepared to help anyone seeking guidance on immigration-related issues.

The announcement of the raids sparked widespread concern across Charlotte, fuelled by similar sweeps in other cities where people with no criminal history were reportedly detained.

US Representative Alma Adams issued a sharp response to the deployment of Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the city.

“I am deeply troubled by the decision to send US Border Patrol and ICE personnel to Charlotte,” Adams said. “Our immigrant community is a vital part of the Queen City, and I will not allow intimidation or harassment of my constituents. What we have witnessed in places like Chicago and Los Angeles agents using excessive force and even tear gas against peaceful demonstrators poses a real threat to community safety. Those tactics have no place in Charlotte or Mecklenburg County.”