Upon confirmation of the arrival of the U.S. Border Patrol to the city of Charlotte, and with new information obtained by Enlace Latino NC and other media outlets regarding the possible expansion of the operation to different cities in the state, we consulted the sheriff's offices of Mecklenburg , Buncombe , Wake , Durham y Henderson .
We also consulted the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the Asheville City Police .
The goal is to understand what these agencies know about the deployment and their position regarding the safety of the entire community. Below are their statements:
Sheriff's Office – Mecklenburg County
Sheriff Garry McFadden confirmed that Border Patrol agents will arrive in Charlotte “As early as this weekend or early next week.” He noted that two federal officials contacted him on Wednesday, November 12, to inform him of the deployment, although he was not given specific details about the operation nor was his office asked to participate.
McFadden stated that the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office will not be involved in any actions related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Border Patrol operations.
“We value and welcome renewed collaboration and open communication with our federal partners,” he said, noting that receiving advance information allows them to be proactive in maintaining county safety and community confidence.
The sheriff maintained that his office “will remain vigilant and continue to focus on serving the needs of the community, as it has done every day,” while sources consulted by Enlace Latino NC They confirmed that ICE could also join the operation.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department He confirmed that the border patrol will arrive in the city on Saturday, November 15.In a statement, the agency noted that “no specific details have been provided regarding the nature or scope of its operations.”
The CMPD emphasized that it will not participate in immigration operations and reiterated that it lacks the authority to enforce federal immigration laws. It clarified that local officers cannot assist with ICE administrative warrants, do not participate in ICE or CBP operations, and only intervene when a crime or criminal warrant falls under their jurisdiction.
“CMPD remains committed to maintaining peace, ensuring public safety, and maintaining trust with all members of our community,” the department concluded.
Related>> “Worker’s Eye”: New map tracking immigration raids in North Carolina
Sheriff's Office – Buncombe County
Consulted by Enlace Latino NC Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller said his office “has not received any official communication” nor been contacted by Customs and Border Protection about possible operations in his county.
The sheriff's office noted that Miller "understands the impact the Border Patrol has within our community" and that "immigration is a federal matter," so his responsibility is to enforce state law.
According to the response sent to this media outlet, if the Border Patrol were to arrive in the county “to find violent and dangerous criminals,” Miller would be “open to it for the safety of the community.”
However, he clarified that if the objective were to "enforce federal immigration raids," the sheriff "will not participate in or support that effort." The office added that it will continue "supporting and educating the community with information about interacting with ICE and the Border Patrol."
On the other hand, late Friday afternoon, Mayor Esther Manheimer announced that Asheville will be one of the Border Patrol's destinations. Municipal sources confirmed to Enlace Latino NC that the agency could be present in the area this very weekend.
Asheville Police Department
El Asheville Police Department (APD) He reported that he has not had any contact with the Border Patrol regarding possible operations in the area. “We have not been contacted,” confirmed spokesman Rick Rice.
Rice also clarified that local police do not have the authority to enforce federal immigration laws. “APD does not participate in ICE operations, nor are we involved in planning these federal activities,” he stated.
In response to community concerns, Rice emphasized that the APD seeks to strengthen public safety through relationships of trust. “We value our relationships with the immigrant members of our community,” she said. She further stressed that “everyone, regardless of immigration status, should feel safe reporting crimes.”
Related: Leaders respond to the threat of the Border Patrol arriving in Charlotte
Sheriff's Office – Wake County
Consulted by Enlace Latino NC Sheriff Willie Rowe confirmed that his office “has not received any official notification” from Customs and Border Protection regarding possible operations in the area.
Rowe asked residents to avoid any confrontation in the event of federal activity. “I urge all residents to refrain from engaging with or confronting Border Patrol personnel and allow them to carry out their official duties,” he said.
The sheriff stated that his office's priority is "the safety and well-being of our community" and that they seek to avoid "circumstances that could lead to injuries or unnecessary arrests."
Sheriff's Office – Durham County
Sheriff Clarence Birkhead informed Enlace Latino NC that his office “has no knowledge of Border Patrol agents in Durham County” and that they have not been notified of “current or planned operations” in the area.
“I want to reiterate that Durham County does not participate in the 287(g) program, and we do not participate in any CBP or ICE 'raid' operations,” Birkhead said.
He also pointed out that local agencies are not informed in advance when the federal government initiates immigration operations: “CBP and ICE agents are federal law enforcement agencies, therefore, they act under a federal mandate.”
The sheriff also addressed the concerns of the Latino community. “For almost a year, we have observed and reported on many changes in federal immigration enforcement policies,” he said.
“I have met regularly with our Hispanic residents to listen to their concerns, acknowledge their fears, and answer their questions. My job is to keep this community safe.”
Birkhead urged calm and reminded residents of the importance of knowing their rights. “My message hasn’t changed: Don’t panic! Keep your eyes open. Know your rights,” she said.
The sheriff invited the community to contact his office with any questions through 919-560-0900.
Sheriff's Office – Henderson County
Before the consultation of Enlace Latino NC Regarding the possible presence of the Border Patrol in the area, the Henderson County Sheriff's Office responded that it cannot provide information about federal activities or operations. The office stated, "You should direct your questions to ICE, as information related to that agency is not subject to public disclosure."
Henderson County maintains an active agreement with ICE through the 287(g) program , in the mode Jail Enforcement Model, through which it collaborates in the identification of people in local custody for possible federal immigration processes.
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