This week, agents of the U.S. Border Patrol (CBP) arrived in Charlotte, Raleigh and surrounding areas andIn North Carolina, they are carrying out detention operations that are causing great concern and pain in the immigrant community.
In this context of widespread confusion, it is important to understand that, although CBP and ICE are supposed to have different competencies, since Donald Trump took office, both have been performing similar functions.
What is CBP and what is its main function?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and is the agency responsible for protecting U.S. borders and ports of entry. According to its official website, its mission includes inspecting people and cargo at airports, seaports, and border crossings to determine who is allowed to enter the country.
CBP also handles the control of the entry of goods, weapons and contraband, and the arrest of people with federal arrest warrants or who attempt to enter illegally.
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Why is CBP operating in North Carolina if it's not a border state?
According to federal regulations, CBP has jurisdiction to act up to 100 miles from the international border, but sometimes participates in operations further inland.
That's the case in North Carolina, since it's not a border state. However, the agency can have a presence at international airports or participate in joint operations with other federal authorities, especially when agencies coordinate their efforts.
That is exactly what is happening this week in Charlotte due to the federal guidelines of the Donald Trump administration.
What is ICE and what is its main function?
ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) also operates under the DHS. It is responsible for enforcing immigration laws within the United States. Unlike CBP, which is primarily responsible for operations at ports of entry, ICE conducts its work inland: in cities, workplaces, and courts.
Its Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) division is responsible for detaining, prosecuting, and deporting individuals who are in the country without authorization or who have deportation orders. ICE also investigates cases of human trafficking, document fraud, and immigration-related financial crimes.
In North Carolina, ICE has had a stable presence for years and has carried out arrest operations in several locations, especially in collaboration with local authorities.
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Main differences between CBP and ICE
Although Both agencies belong to the same federal department and sometimes work together.Their functions are different. CBP operates at points of entry into the country and has the authority to admit or deny entry to people. ICE, on the other hand, operates within the country, investigating and detaining those already on U.S. soil.
However, in Charlotte Due to a federal operation, CBP is currently performing functions typically carried out by ICE in North Carolina. This does not mean that ICE has ceased operations in the state. Both agencies are operating concurrently.
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After the storm
A year ago, Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina. The Latino community responded with something stronger than the storm: solidarity.
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