RALEIGH, N.C. — Federal immigration agents have recently widened their enforcement efforts to include the area around Raleigh. This has created a sense of fear, especially in Cary, a suburb with a large immigrant population where many businesses closed and residents stayed indoors.
The crackdown began in Charlotte, where over 130 arrests were made shortly after federal agents started operations. Mayor Janet Cowell confirmed sightings of Border Patrol officers in Wake County and Durham County, but she did not specify how long they would remain or the scope of their operations. She encouraged residents to report any safety concerns and advised peaceful protests.
Federal officials have claimed that these actions will help reduce crime. However, local leaders, including those in Charlotte and Raleigh, noted that crime rates were already declining. They have criticized federal policies that discourage cooperation between local law enforcement and immigration agents.
In Cary, anxiety grew quickly. Nearly 20% of the town’s residents are immigrants, and many were alarmed by reports of Border Patrol agents detaining workers at local job sites. A resident filmed an SUV linked to agents, which added to the unease. Popular spots like the Chatham Square shopping center turned quiet, as restaurants and shops closed their doors. Esmeralda Angel, who runs a local restaurant, expressed concern for her community and decided to shut down to avoid any potential confrontations.
U.S. Rep. Valerie Foushee, representing the area, called the deployment of immigration agents an “abuse of power.” The South Asian population in the Research Triangle has surged in recent decades, attracted by tech jobs. Satish Garimella, mayor pro tempore of Morrisville, mentioned that many residents are feeling panicked. He advised people to carry identification in case they are questioned.
Historically, North Carolina has seen federal crackdowns similar to those happening now. The Trump administration focused on North Carolina after targeting other major cities, capitalizing on local political dynamics. Although the state has Democratic mayors in both Raleigh and Charlotte, it has a Republican majority in the state legislature, complicating responses to federal actions.
In the backdrop of rising concerns, a fatal incident in Charlotte involving a Ukrainian refugee reignited debates over crime and immigration policies, showing how serious issues are interlinked in the state. According to the Department of Homeland Security, several counties in North Carolina had not honored detainers for arrested immigrants, leading to concerns about public safety. State officials noted that these detainers had gone unfulfilled since 2020, raising alarms about potential risks.
Local community members continue to share their frustrations and fears on social media. The sentiment is palpable, with many expressing solidarity for those impacted and questioning the broader implications of federal immigration actions.
This situation has brought to light the complexities of immigration policy, community safety, and the deep connections woven through North Carolina’s diverse population.
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North Carolina, Raleigh, Donald Trump, Charlotte, Janet Cowell, Immigration, General news, NC State Wire, Local News for Apple, AP Top News, Satish Garimella, Government and politics, U.S. news, Matt Mercer, U.S. Democratic Party, U.S. Republican Party, Pamela Hoile, United States government, Valerie Foushee, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Josh Stein, Politics
