Federal immigration authorities are expected to launch a new enforcement operation in Charlotte, North Carolina as early as Saturday—sending the city’s activist class into full-blown panic mode while local leaders rush to protect illegal immigrants instead of their own citizens.
Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden confirmed Thursday that two federal officials notified him U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel will arrive in the Charlotte area within days. The Department of Homeland Security refused to discuss details but reiterated that enforcing immigration law is part of its daily mandate.
Yet instead of preparing to cooperate with federal agencies, Mecklenburg County officials and Charlotte’s progressive political class have signaled that they will do nothing to assist. McFadden stressed that his office “was not asked to help or participate,” and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department announced it would not take part in any federal operation.
This comes as Charlotte—North Carolina’s second-largest city and a Democrat stronghold—has struggled with surging crime and a rapidly growing foreign-born population estimated at roughly 150,000. The city recently made national headlines after a Ukrainian refugee was brutally stabbed to death on a light-rail train in August.
CharlotteEAST, an activist group, convened a conference call with 500 organizations and individuals Wednesday night to discuss the possible federal crackdown. According to their own social media posts, the call focused on distributing “resources” to shield illegal immigrants from federal authorities.
Councilman-Elect JD Mazurera Arias, who openly describes growing up in the country illegally, posted a video message encouraging illegal immigrants to contact groups ready to assist them—including Carolina Migrant Network, Catholic Charities, Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, International House, the Latin American Coalition, Our Bridge for Kids, and others.
Rather than urging compliance with U.S. law or cooperation with authorities, Arias emphasized fear and solidarity, telling illegal immigrants:
“Charlotte is still your home… None of us should be alone right now.”
Indivisible Charlotte and the Carolina Migrant Network are also planning “rights trainings” for volunteers on how to respond to immigration operations and how to document or obstruct federal enforcement activity.
Meanwhile, Sheriff McFadden insisted his office would remain “vigilant” but reiterated that immigration enforcement would not be part of his mission, saying only that communication with federal agencies helps maintain “the level of trust our community deserves.”
Rather than coordinating with federal law enforcement or prioritizing the safety of American citizens, local officials appear more focused on providing resources, legal shields, and emotional support for illegal immigrants anticipating the operation.
With CBP personnel reportedly en route, the coming days will show whether Mecklenburg County leaders intend to respect federal immigration law—or whether they will join other left-leaning jurisdictions in quietly undermining America’s borders from within.
