Charlotte Faces Increased ICE presence Amidst Ongoing Debate Over Immigration Enforcement
Charlotte, N.C.- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has considerably increased its activity in Charlotte, North Carolina, in recent weeks, escalating a long-running dispute over immigration enforcement policies between state and local officials. The increased presence follows years of tension and legislative action aimed at compelling local jails to cooperate with federal immigration detainers.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has identified North Carolina as a focus state due to its policies regarding sanctuary jurisdictions.While DHS reports approximately 1,400 detainers across the state have gone unhonored since October 2020, North Carolina county jails have historically honored “detainers”-requests from federal officials to hold arrested immigrants for potential ICE custody. However, some localities, including Charlotte, have maintained policies limiting assistance with immigration enforcement.
Mecklenburg County Jail previously declined to honor ICE detainers for several years, untill a state law enacted in late 2023 effectively mandated compliance.Mecklenburg Sheriff Garry McFadden actively resisted previous attempts by the Republican-controlled state legislature to force his office and other urban county sheriffs to accept ICE detainers.
Despite stating his office is now complying with the law, McFadden continued to publicly dispute ICE procedures earlier this year, leading to a further tightening of regulations thru a new state law. Governor roy Cooper vetoed this measure, but the veto was overridden by the legislature.
Republican House Speaker Destin Hall stated on X (formerly Twitter) Monday that ICE’s increased presence is a direct result of McFadden’s past policies: “They’re stepping in to clean up his mess and restore safety to the city.”
McFadden recently reported a “productive meeting” with an ICE representative, emphasizing his desire for coordinated enforcement. “I made it clear that I do not want to stop ICE from doing their job, but I do want them to do it safely, responsibly, and with proper coordination by notifying our agency ahead of time,” McFadden said in a statement.
The situation remains politically charged. State GOP Chairman Jason Simmons asserted Monday, “Democrats at all levels are choosing to protect criminal illegals over North carolina citizens.”
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, who won a fifth term earlier this month with a 45-percentage-point victory, has navigated these debates amidst broader concerns about rising crime in the city. Democrats are poised to maintain a strong majority on the city council, holding 10 of 11 seats.