The community organization Siembra NC reported today a series of unusual immigration operations between Monday and Wednesday in several cities in the Triangle, the Triad and western North Carolina.
The incidents, which include unmarked vehicles, unusual tactics, and the possible presence of out-of-state agents, represent —according to the organization— a higher level of activity than usual.
Brookford (Catawba County) – December 3
According to the organization, yesterday, Tuesday, at 2 p.m., an ICE agent in an unmarked vehicle stopped a work truck with four men on board. Minutes later, officers from the Brookford Police Department—which is participating in a 287(g) agreement—and six other officers arrived in unmarked vehicles.
Three of the men, residents of Raleigh and on their way to work, were arrested.
Greensboro – December 4
At 9 a.m., a vehicle with two occupants was stopped by several ICE/DHS agents near 4th and Sullivan. Between three and five late-model SUVs with tinted windows and police lights were involved.
One vehicle reportedly rear-ended the immigrants' car, while another struck it from the front. The driver was injured and later arrested by officers, who were carrying rifles; one of them was wearing a vest with the words “HSI Police” on it.
Apex – December 4
The organization reported that four masked agents wearing black vests approached a woman in a daycare parking lot, asking for identification without mentioning their agency. They tried to open her car door, but the woman closed it. The agents then left.
Siembra NC noted that there are no reports of local police using these types of tactics, so they believe it was ICE/DHS agents, although they cannot confirm it.
Morrisville – From Monday
According to Siembra NC, at least one of the DHS agents who participated in an operation recent in Morrisville, led by the FBI, had previously been assigned to Los Angeles this year.
Durham – USCIS Office (December 3 and 4)
The organization said it can confirm at least two detentions at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office in Durham.
In one of the cases, the person had scheduled their last appointment before receiving citizenship, they noted.
Regarding ICE detentions: More than 425 people were arrested in “Operation Charlotte's Web”
What is known
The organization reported that:
- The vehicles observed resemble those used by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when renting administrative cars, and not the typical vehicles of the local ICE office.
- Agents in Greensboro were carrying rifles, something uncommon among ICE operations in the region.
- Two community operations on the same day represent an unusually high level of activity for the Triangle and the Triad.
- At least one DHS agent stationed in the Triangle this week reportedly came from another city in the country.
What does this mean?
The organization believes that:
- ICE agents may have arrived from other states to make arrests over an unknown period.
- It is unclear whether they are looking for people with final deportation orders or another specific status.
- So far there is no evidence of widespread operations based on racial profiling.
- It is not yet possible to identify a clear pattern of who they are looking for.
Direct line and recommendations
Siembra NC asked the community to call their hotline (336) 543-0353 if they observe:
- Vehicles without identification, with civilian license plates and tinted windows, especially between 6:30 am and 10 am
- Plainclothes officers, with or without their faces covered, speaking in Spanish with the people they approached.
The organization reminded people that they have the right to remain silent, not to answer questions, and not to sign documents without legal advice.
Useful resources
>>> Immigration Guide Practical information on processes, procedures and rights
>>> How to report and verify ICE arrests or raids in North Carolina: Links to organizations, tools, and reporting hotlines
>>> Worker's Eye: New map tracking immigration raids in North Carolina: Access to the updated map with confirmed community reports
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