Governor Josh Stein expressed alarm following a significant increase in Border Patrol activities in Charlotte, North Carolina, over the past weekend, where dozens of immigration arrests took place. Stein condemned the actions as an instigator of fear rather than a solution for public safety.
The Trump administration has targeted Charlotte, a Democratic city of approximately 950,000 residents, as part of an immigration enforcement surge intended to combat crime, despite objections from local leaders and evidence suggesting declining crime rates.
Residents have reported sightings of heavily armed agents engaging in aggressive tactics, including racial profiling incidents around churches and public spaces. This is not making us safer. It’s stoking fear and dividing our community, Stein remarked in a video statement.
Even amid rising tensions, Stein urged the public to remain calm and report any incidents to local law enforcement, while the Department of Homeland Security claims the enforcement focus is due to sanctuary policies hindering cooperation between local authorities and immigration officials.
Critics of the enforcement tactics, including civil rights advocates, worry about the long-term impacts on community relations and the potential for unlawful detentions. In contrast, some local Republican leaders have supported the heightened enforcement, emphasizing safety concerns. This ongoing debate highlights the contentious nature of immigration policies and local governance.
