Charlotte, North Carolina, will be the next city to see U.S. Border Patrol agents roam its streets as part of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, possibly as soon as Saturday, according to the local sheriff.
It will be the latest Democratic-led city — others include Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington — to see the administration deploy federal agents despite backlash from local officials that the operations create fear within communities and don’t lower crime.
Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden confirmed the news Thursday, saying federal officials informed him that Border Patrol agents would arrive in Charlotte as soon as Saturday.
“We value and welcome the renewed collaboration and open communication with our federal partners,” said McFadden, a Democrat. “It allows us to stay informed and be proactive in keeping Mecklenburg County safe and to maintain the level of trust our community deserves.”
“Unfortunately, that’s not always what we have seen with ICE and Border Patrol Agents in Chicago and elsewhere around the country,” said Stein. “The vast majority of people they have detained have no criminal convictions, and some are American citizens.”
Gov. Josh Stein called on residents Friday to document "any inappropriate behavior" exhibited by federal agents.
“When we see injustice, we bear witness. If you see any inappropriate behavior, use your phones to record and notify local law enforcement, who will continue to keep our communities safe long after these federal agents leave," Stein said. "That’s the North Carolina way.”
Mayor Vi Lyles said she is unaware of specific details regarding the federal deployment, including where agents will be operating.
"I understand this news will create uncertainty and anxiety for many people in our community,” Lyles, also a Democrat, said on X. “Everyone in our community deserves to feel secure and I am committed to doing all that I can to inform our community, help make sure everyone feels safe, and understands their rights.”
Lyles said that the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is not involved in federal immigration operations and that it would only get involved in situations concerning criminal behavior or warrants within its jurisdiction.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg public school district told parents it is aware of the agents’ impending arrival, saying it “will continue to comply with all federal statutes, state statutes, and Board policies that protect students’ rights to a public education ... including those who are undocumented.”
Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the agency does not comment on future or potential operations.
“We are focused on the worst of the worst, bringing these individuals to justice,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has said about previous immigration enforcement operations.
Reporting from cities that have seen immigration enforcement surges, however, along with images captured by bystanders and even the government's own data suggest people with gang affiliations or records of violent crime make up a small slice of the thousands being detained during the operations.