In November, after the Border Patrol operations (CBP) in Charlotte, many vehicles were left parked at supermarkets, apartment complexes and on the streets.
Today, three months after the operation, the immigration authorities They continue to make arrests, although on a smaller scale.
But families continue to have many questions: What happens to their relatives' vehicles that were left in parking lots or on the side of the road? Does the local police get involved? Where are they taken? How can they be recovered?
To clarify these concerns, Enlace Latino NC He spoke with Officer Claudio Jiménez, community liaison of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD)and with “El Amigo”, as the representative of a crane company who worked collecting vehicles free of charge during the CBP operation preferred to be identified.
In addition, we explored the North Carolina state laws that regulate the trailer and storage vehicular.
“We have no role in immigration”
Officer Jimenez began by clarifying an essential point: “The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has no role in enforcing federal immigration laws in the city of Charlotte. That is not our job, nor is it within our jurisdiction.”
Confusion about the role of the local police after the operations is common, but the officer was emphatic: “we have nothing to do with that.”
Vehicles left on private property and public roads
The fate of a vehicle depends largely on where it was parked.
On private property
Supermarkets, shopping malls, and apartment complexes are privately owned. In those spaces:
“We only have jurisdiction on public roads, not on private property,” the officer explained.
If a vehicle remains in a private parking lot for several days, the owner of the place can call a tow truck.
“They have full authority as owners of that property to call a tow truck and have the vehicle taken away,” Officer Jimenez said.
The police only intervene if a conflict arises. “Our role is to maintain the peace. We're not going to tell the tow truck to return the car or to take it away. It's a civil matter,” he explained.
Related: What happens to your car if ICE stops you while you're driving?
On public roads
If the car remains on the public road, the scenario changes. If a person is arrested during a traffic stop: “We can allow a family member with a valid driver's license to come and pick up the vehicle. That is at the officer's discretion depending on the circumstances,” he said.
“But if that’s not possible… We make sure the car is properly parked, that it’s not blocking traffic or posing a risk. And it can stay there,” the officer said.
According to the officer, a legally parked, registered and insured vehicle can remain on public roads indefinitely, as long as it does not violate traffic regulations.
The experience from the cranes
“El Amigo”, a representative of a towing company who worked during the November operationsHe explained that many times the cranes were called by business owners, not by the local police.
“In many cases, the cars were left in private parking lots. After a day or two, the owners of the place would call us because the vehicle was still there and no one had claimed it,” he said.
He also noted that there were situations where the vehicle was left on the public road and it was necessary to remove it for safety reasons. “If the car was illegally parked or blocking an entrance, then the police would intervene and order it towed,” he stated.
This aligns with laws requiring proper notice and signage before any non-consensual towing on private property.
Furthermore, he clarified that crane companies have no information about the migratory status "We don't ask why the person was arrested. We only respond to the request of the property owner or to the contract we have with the city," he said.
Where do towed vehicles go?
When a tow is ordered (by the police or a private property owner), the vehicle is taken to an authorized storage yard. These lots are privately owned and operated by towing companies that must meet certain standards, including notifying the owner and allowing them access to the vehicle.
The Friend explained: “We have enclosed and guarded lots. The vehicle is stored there until the owner comes with the documentation.”
This process is part of state regulations designed to protect both vehicle owners and owners of tow trucks and land.
How to recover a car?
If a vehicle was towed, the first step recommended by Officer Jimenez is to call 311, the city's non-emergency services line.
“With the license plate number or vehicle information, they can tell you if the car was towed by order of the police and which company took it.” He also reminded everyone that there is a possibility the vehicle was stolen.
“It’s always a good idea to start with 311 to rule out any situation,” he said.
If the vehicle was left on private property, it may be necessary to contact the business or apartment complex directly.
Officer Jimenez said that Charlotte is a large city with heavy traffic. “On a single day, we can have 50 or 60 vehicles towed due to some kind of involvement with the police,” the officer explained.
This figure also includes vehicles that independently tow private property.
What documents to present to pick up a vehicle
Once the tow truck lot where the vehicle is located has been found, the person must generally present the following:
- Vehicle registration
- Official identification
- Payment of the corresponding fees
“El Amigo” added “that, if the original owner is detained or cannot go in person, a family member can first contact the company to find out what additional documents they may need.”
“Every situation is different. The important thing is to call ahead and find out what documents they need,” said “El Amigo.”
To be informed
In a city like Charlotte, where public transportation is limited, losing access to a car can exacerbate an already difficult situation.
For some families, getting their car back means regaining stability. That's why the officer's message is clear: “It's important to be informed. If you're informed, you'll have peace of mind because you'll know what to do, what your rights and responsibilities are.”
He also invited the community to follow the CMPD's official Spanish-language Facebook page. “The information there comes from the correct source. It’s not something the neighbor told me,” Officer Jiménez pointed out.
Meanwhile, the crane company's message is practical: "We understand these are difficult times," said "El Amigo." "But the most important thing is not to delay and contact us as soon as possible."
What does state law say about towing and storing vehicles?
In North Carolina, in addition to local city rules, there are state laws that regulate when and how a vehicle can be towed, especially if it is an unauthorized tow or on private property.
Requirements before towing
According to state lawAccording to the law, updated in 2013 for some cities and counties in North Carolina, a privately owned vehicle may only be removed if:
- The location is clearly marked indicating that unauthorized vehicles may be towed.
- At least 72 hours have passed since the signs were put up before the towing began.
- The owner or lessee of the space (for example, a supermarket or an apartment complex) must authorize the towing.
- The law requires that the vehicle not be moved more than 25 miles from the original location if there is no storage area within 15 miles.
- The towing company must inform the owner (if possible) how the owner can recover the car.
These rules help ensure that towing is not arbitrary or surprising to drivers who left their car in private parking lots.
State laws also protect the car owner: they must receive written notification about where the vehicle is and how to retrieve it after it is towed.
You may be interested: City of Raleigh proposes doubling parking fees
Notification to authorities
When a vehicle is towed, many companies are required to notify local authorities before moving it, especially if it's on private property. This creates a record so the owner can locate the vehicle if they don't know where it was taken.
Quick guide of what to do
- Call 311
- Find out if it was on a public road or private property
- Contact the crane company
- Keep records and identification
- Act quickly to avoid additional charges
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