CHARLOTTE, N.C. (FluxDaily) — Community leaders and officials are rallying against a rumored federal immigration crackdown in Charlotte, calling the impending operations an invasion and urging residents to peacefully protest.
We are facing an unprecedented reality, said Mecklenburg County Commissioner Susan Rodriguez-McDowell, sharing her concerns as the granddaughter and wife of immigrants. It’s reminiscent of a dangerous narrative we’ve seen before, and we cannot let it happen here.
Local Sheriff Garry McFadden confirmed that U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents have communicated the likelihood of an enforcement operation commencing soon, although specific details remain undisclosed. The Department of Homeland Security has refrained from commenting on future actions, leading to heightened anxiety in the community.
Representative Jordan Lopez highlighted past incidents in other cities where federal agents engaged in violent tactics, leading to community trauma, which has fueled the call for residents to record and document any such interactions from a safe distance.
In defense of the community, local organizations are proactively training volunteers on protest strategies and how to safely document rights violations during these enforcement actions. Héctor Vaca from Action NC described the federal strategy as a racist campaign of terror that targets vulnerable populations.
Despite the lack of formal notification from the Trump administration regarding operations in Charlotte, local leaders emphasize that the city is home to an estimated 150,000 foreign-born individuals, making it a critical area for action against unjust immigration enforcement.
Impassioned leaders are calling upon residents to support immigrant-owned businesses and foster a spirit of unity and moral clarity during this tense period. Charlotte will not become a staging ground for fear or intimidation, affirmed councilman JD Mazuera Arias, promising to protect the rights of all residents regardless of their origin.
The community stands at a crucial juncture, vowing to fight against enforced separation and maintain a city where all individuals can feel safe and welcome.
