Federal immigration authorities may expand their enforcement operations to a second city in North Carolina, following a shift in priorities for such actions in other U.S. cities under the Trump administration. Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell confirmed the potential arrival of Customs and Border Protection in Raleigh and urged the community to uphold values of peace and respect during any forthcoming challenges.
Previously, the Trump administration targeted Charlotte for intensified immigration enforcement efforts to tackle crime, despite opposition and decreasing crime rates. Border patrol officers in Charlotte recently arrested more than 130 illegal aliens, citing offenses such as gang membership, aggravated assault, and shoplifting. However, specific details on convictions or pending charges were not disclosed.
In North Carolina, the administration’s immigration crackdown follows similar actions in other cities, including the deployment of National Guard troops. While the National Guard lacks arrest powers, they are assigned to protect federal facilities, particularly those managed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as part of the administration’s deportation agenda.
The Department of Homeland Security is focusing on North Carolina due to perceived sanctuary policies that limit cooperation between local authorities and immigration agents. This move has sparked opposition from Democratic leaders in the state, who criticize the use of military forces for domestic enforcement purposes.
As tensions rise, Democratic officials in various cities have lodged legal challenges against the deployment of troops by the Trump administration. Concerns have been raised about the legal justifications for troop deployment and the potential violation of state sovereignty.
Despite escalating resistance, the Trump administration continues to assert its authority to deploy troops in cities across the country. Legal battles and pushback from state leaders are ongoing as the administration seeks to maintain a military presence in several cities, including Portland, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
