Key questions remain unanswered, including how many agents will be involved, what their mission entails, and how long the operation will last.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Democratic leaders across Mecklenburg County say they still have no real answers from the federal government about the U.S. Border Patrol deployment to Charlotte.
A group of local officials and activists held a press conference Friday morning to address reports of Border Patrol launching operations, possibly as soon as Saturday.
The group says the lack of transparency from the feds is dangerous and is calling the Border Patrol deployment a political move that’s creating fear in Charlotte’s immigrant community.
Key questions remain unanswered, including how many agents will be involved, what their mission entails, and how long the operation will last. Everyone who spoke stressed that Charlotte is safe and that immigrants are neighbors, business owners and part of the fabric of our community.
“We saw this before in Chicago, where federal actions left families broken and trust shattered,” JD Mazuera Arias, who was elected to represent District 5 on the Charlotte City Council, said. “We will not allow Charlotte to follow that same path.”
While leaders didn’t have a response from the federal government, they shared a unified message of calm, support and protection for everyone in the Charlotte area.
Community impact and concerns
Community advocates say they are hearing from worried families amid widespread speculation that Border Patrol agents could be in the city on Saturday. Some families have already changed their weekend plans out of concern.
“Immigration, or immigrants, we’re talking about human beings,” Rev. Corine Mack, president of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP, said. “Men, women and children, who are walking in this city, who are working in this city, who are being educated in this city, in fear.”
RELATED: Border Patrol immigration enforcement expected in Charlotte as soon as Saturday
The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the Border Patrol deployment but emphasized its deputies will not take part and have not been asked to participate.
Sheriff Garry McFadden stressed he welcomes open communication with federal partners to help keep the community safe.
Groups that work closely with immigrant communities report an uptick in calls, questions and fears this week, as rumors continue to circulate online.
“The community has been spooked by it,” Immigrant Justice Director of Action NC Hector Vaca said.
Vaca says the speculation has already had a visible impact in parts of the city.
“Local businesses are afraid of losing money,” Vaca said. “Some parking lots, especially around Central Avenue, have been empty in anticipation.”
At a recent monthly meeting hosted by CharlotteEAST, immigration concerns dominated the discussion.
“We know that we’ve got to stand together on whatever the issue might be… to see that level of outreach and support, I mean, Charlotteans are willing to stand up and fight for their neighbors,” CharlotteEAST executive director Greg Asciutto said.
Advocacy groups respond
Advocacy groups say their priority is ensuring accurate information reaches families quickly.
“We’re educating people about their rights whether it be social media or in person,” Vaca said. “Talk to an attorney. Always talk to nonprofits to see what’s available to you and what’s not.”
While the rumors continue spreading, groups say clarity remains limited. The uncertainty is creating confusion and concern, especially within immigrant communities.
“People are concerned,” Vaca said. “Children are afraid to go to school. People are afraid to go to work.”
Action NC and other organizations emphasize they are focused on facts, not fear.
“Because of what we’ve been seeing around the country, we are educating people about possibilities,” Vaca said. “In no way, shape or form do we ever tell people just don’t go somewhere because we’re not going to tell people what to do.”
Other community groups, including the Party for Socialism and Liberation Charlotte, plan to protest on Saturday in response to the speculation.
“It’ll be a great opportunity for people to come out and see how many people are willing to put themselves out there and stand together,” Susanna Chen with PSL Charlotte said.
Chen emphasized the essential role immigrant families play in Charlotte’s daily life.
“Everywhere you see people in Charlotte who are immigrants… there’s so many people here who make the city run,” Chen said. “We need to reclaim that and understand these are people, and we’re meant to defend them.”
Advocates plan to continue monitoring the situation and sharing verified updates with local families. They urge residents to avoid spreading unconfirmed claims and rely on trusted sources for information.
A protest organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. in First Ward Park, where organizers say they hope community members can express their concerns freely and safely.
RELATED: Border Patrol eyes Charlotte for new operation amid legal authority questions. Let’s verify
Elected officials seek answers
Gov. Josh Stein has reportedly reached out to the White House for clarification but has not yet received a response.
State Senator Caleb Theodros, who represents Mecklenburg County, called the lack of coordination “unacceptable.”
“Whenever you see a state of emergency, whenever you see national troops deployed to a city, they’re always working in tandem with the local officials, no matter what the political affiliations are,” Theodros said. “Because we understand how some of this perceived chaos can be perceived by the locals in the community at large.”
The press conference will include a coalition of elected officials and community leaders, including members of the North Carolina General Assembly, Charlotte City Council, Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education, alongside community organizations and faith leaders.
State, local leaders’ response on CBP operation
In response to community concerns about potential Border Patrol operations, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, Board of County Commissioners Chair Mark Jerrell, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education Stephanie Sneed issued a joint statement Saturday in support of its residents.
“Our organizations believe that our diversity makes us stronger. And with that belief we are unwavering in our commitment to a safe and welcoming community where everyone can grow and thrive. It is critical for all residents to feel secure in our community and know they can live their lives without being fearful while walking down the street, going to school, work or the grocery store.
The expected U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (commonly called “Border Patrol”) operations are causing unnecessary fear and uncertainty in our community as recent operations in other cities have resulted in people without criminal records being detained and violent protests being the result of unwarranted actions.
We want people in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County to know we stand with all residents who simply want to go about their lives, contributing to our larger community. Each of our organizations have made commitments to the people we serve to protect their rights and dignity. We are committed to following the law and to protecting the rights of all people who call Charlotte and Mecklenburg County home.
It is important for people to understand their rights. There are a number of organizations standing ready to assist individuals seeking legal guidance on immigration matters and if anyone has questions about their immigration status or rights, please reach out to those organizations.
If you need the police, don’t hesitate to call 911. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) does not participate in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations and is not involved in the planning or execution of any federal immigration enforcement activities.
We know many of you want to speak out and make your voices heard — and that’s your right. We ask that, as a community, we do so peacefully. We do not want to see violence like many witnessed in other cities. We can stand up for what we believe in without resorting to violence.
Our region has thrived and grown because our strength lies in our diversity and our collective commitment to each other and to this community. Let us all — no matter our political allegiance – stand together for all hard working and law-abiding families.”
Charlotte City Councilmember Malcolm Graham released the following statement Friday on the deployment, calling it an unnecessary, politically motivated action that threatens community trust and safety rather than enhancing it.
“Recent reports suggest that the U.S. Border Patrol may be deployed to Charlotte as part of the Trump administration’s ongoing immigration enforcement efforts as soon as Saturday.
While details remain unclear, any such action raises serious concerns for our community. Charlotte is a welcoming, inclusive city that values trust between residents and law enforcement. Deploying armed, masked federal agents into our neighborhoods is not the way to build safer streets — it’s a recipe for fear, confusion, and division.
There is no evidence that Charlotte faces an immigration crisis or that such extreme measures are necessary. If these reports are accurate, this appears to be more about politics than public safety.
Our Latino and immigrant communities already contribute greatly to Charlotte’s economic and cultural vitality. Heavy-handed enforcement tactics will only disrupt families, harm local businesses, and erode the community trust we’ve worked so hard to build.
We must be clear: Charlotte doesn’t need or want federal agents conducting warrantless operations in our city. What we need is collaboration, compassion, and common sense — not fear-based politics.
Charlotte should remain a place where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected. That’s the city I believe in, and that’s the city I will continue to fight for.”
Sustain Charlotte issued the following statement on Friday:
“Sustain Charlotte stands firmly with our immigrant neighbors and every member of our community who is experiencing fear and uncertainty in light of reports that federal agents may be deployed in Charlotte in the coming days
Advancing equity in all forms has always been part of our DNA. It is central to our mission because every decision our city makes should move us toward a community where everyone is safe, valued, and treated with dignity and respect.
Immigrants are vital and equal members of Charlotte. They contribute to our culture, our economy, our neighborhoods, and our collective well-being. They deserve the same respect, dignity, and due process as anyone born in this country. We belong to one human family, and differences in language, skin color, or the place we were born do not diminish our shared humanity.
We call on all Charlotte residents to stand together and reject any action that threatens the safety or civil rights of our neighbors. When we allow harm to be inflicted on one group, we weaken the safety and peace of our entire community. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr so eloquently reminded us: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
We also call on local, state, and federal leaders to use every tool at their disposal to defend and support immigrant families in this moment. Protecting the rights and safety of all people who call Charlotte home is essential to the health of our democracy.
Sustain Charlotte is committed to standing with our immigrant neighbors today, tomorrow, and in the days ahead. Our community is strongest when we stand together.”
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein also released the following statement below on the Border Patrol, emphasizing that North Carolians should follow the law, look out for each other and report any inappropriate behavior to authorities.
“Public safety is the top priority for all of us in government – that means fighting crime, not stoking fear or causing division. We should all focus on and arrest violent criminals and drug traffickers. Unfortunately, that’s not always what we have seen with ICE and Border Patrol Agents in Chicago and elsewhere around the country. The vast majority of people they have detained have no criminal convictions, and some are American citizens.
I want to encourage North Carolinians to remember our values. We follow the law. We remain peaceful. We do not allow ourselves to be provoked. We stand with our neighbors. And 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. That’s the North Carolina way.
As this situation develops, I will continue to stay in touch with local and state officials to keep people safe, respect the rule of law, and support our people.”
Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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