Over the weekend, Charlotte, North Carolina, witnessed a significant increase in Border Patrol operations, resulting in dozens of arrests. Governor Josh Stein voiced strong opposition to the actions, stating they foster fear in the community rather than making it safer. The heightened immigration enforcement comes as the Trump administration targets cities like Charlotte that have adopted sanctuary policies limiting local cooperation with federal authorities.
Residents reported encounters with masked federal agents near local establishments, stirring anxiety within the community. 'We’ve seen masked, heavily armed agents in paramilitary garb driving unmarked cars,' Governor Stein remarked in a statement, emphasizing that such actions are not enhancing safety but rather dividing the community.
Despite acknowledging the stressful circumstances, Stein urged the community to remain peaceful and to report any irregularities to local law enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security explained that its focus on North Carolina stemmed from sanctuary policies, alleging that approximately 1,400 detainers had not been honored, thus endangering public safety.
While Stein stands against these aggressive tactics, local Republican Party chairman Kyle Kirby expressed support for stricter immigration enforcement, arguing that community safety should be a priority. This dichotomy illustrates the ongoing tension surrounding immigration policies in the state.
