Federal Immigration Operation Expected in Charlotte, NC: Sheriff

Local immigrant advocates are preparing for the federal crackdown.

Federal agents walk into the street as people protest outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Portland, Ore., on Oct. 3, 2025. Amanda Loman/AP Photo

The Trump administration’s next federal immigration enforcement operation could start as early as Saturday in Charlotte, North Carolina, a local sheriff announced Thursday.

Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden was contacted by two federal officials confirming that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel would arrive in the Charlotte area as early as Saturday or the beginning of next week, he said in a statement Thursday to media.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not return a request for confirmation of the operation but told The Associated Press the department did not discuss future or potential operations.

Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said, “Every day, DHS enforces the laws of the nation across the country.”

Specific details of the federal operation were not given, and the sheriff’s office was not asked to help or participate in the operation, according to McFadden’s statement.

Charlotte, the state’s second-largest city, is a Democratic stronghold and home to about 150,000 foreign-born residents. The city was recently in the news after a Ukrainian refugee, Iryna Zarutska, was fatally stabbed in the neck while riding a light-rail train in August.

The sheriff said his office would remain vigilant and continue focusing on the needs of the community but would not be involved with any measures regarding immigration enforcement.

“We value and welcome the renewed collaboration and open communication with our federal partners,” McFadden said. “It allows us to stay informed and be proactive in keeping Mecklenburg County safe and to maintain the level of trust our community deserves.”

News of a possible federal crackdown began circulating in the Charlotte community earlier this week, prompting immigrant activists, faith leaders, and officials to start preparing for the operation.

CharlotteEAST, an immigrant advocacy organization, held a conference call with about 500 organizations and people Wednesday to spread the word about the possible enforcement operation.

The organization shared resource information, according to a social media post.

Charlotte Councilman-Elect JD Mazurera Arias said community members began calling him looking for answers and posted a video message on Facebook Thursday providing information for illegal immigrants and sharing his personal story.

The fear rising among illegal immigrants in the community was something familiar to Arias, he said.

Federal agents stand guard as they are confronted by residents after making a stop while driving in a caravan through the Brighton Park neighborhood of Chicago on Nov. 6, 2025. Scott Olson/Getty Images

“It took me right back to a place I haven’t been in a while,” Arias said. “I grew up undocumented. And when you grow up undocumented, fear isn’t something you just hear about, it’s something you carry with you every single day. ... It doesn’t take much to bring those feelings back.”

Arias encouraged illegal immigrants to reach out to local organizations that were ready to help them, including Carolina Migrant Network, Catholic Charities, Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, International House, the Latin American Coalition, Our Bridge for Kids, and other refugee support services.

“None of us should be alone right now,” Arias said. “Charlotte is still your home. Your kids’ schools are still safe. Your clinics and services are still open, and your community is still here.”

Indivisible Charlotte and the Carolina Migrant Network were planning to conduct a training for volunteers Friday about what rights people have when interacting with federal immigration authorities and how to identify and respond to federal immigration enforcement activity.

A statement issued by state and local officials expressed support for the illegal immigrants in Charlotte.

“Our message is simple: Mecklenburg County and Charlotte are communities of belonging. We will stand together, look out for one another, and ensure that fear never divides the city we all call home,” the message read.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has no authority to enforce federal immigration law and does not participate in federal immigration operations, according to the statement.