Border Patrol caused ‘fear and uncertainty’ in NC foothills city, mayor says
Border Patrol activities around Hickory created “fear and uncertainty” among residents, Mayor Hank Guess said in a news release Monday, adding that local officials had no role in them.
The statement follows a multi-day federal immigration enforcement operation in Charlotte and other North Carolina communities, where hundreds of people were arrested in parking lots, at grocery stores and outside schools and churches. The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office and local officials said last week the operation was over, but Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said it is “not ending anytime soon.”
Hickory is a city with roughly 45,000 residents located about one hour north of Charlotte in North Carolina’s foothills region.
In his statement, Guess, a retired police officer, said Hickory officials were not consulted and did not participate in the federal actions, which he said were carried out “unilaterally” by immigration authorities. He did not describe the scope of the enforcement activity but said its impact on families has been clear.
“I want to be clear: every person in our community, regardless of background, race, or ethnicity, is a vital thread in the fabric of Hickory,” Guess wrote. “We are stronger because of our diversity, not in spite of it.”
WSOC-TV, The Charlotte Observer’s news partner, reported last week that border patrol agents were seen along Highway 70 in Hickory and detained someone in a parking lot in Lenoir, about 30 minutes from Hickory. The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office confirmed with WHKY that Border Patrol agents would be in the area last week.
Guess’ statement mirrors what Charlotte and Mecklenburg leaders said before and during the “Charlotte Web” operation: They didn’t ask for Border Patrol agents to come, and the operation has caused distress and fear within immigrant communities.
Guess called Hickory’s Latino community an essential part of the city’s identity, culture and economy.
“Families, workers, students and small business owners from all walks of life make Hickory what it is today,” he wrote. “Their presence is not only valued, it is indispensable.”
Guess said the operation left children and parents, afraid to go to school, work or even leave their homes. He said Hickory remains committed to being a place “where everyone feels seen, respected, and safe.” Guess is focused on supporting residents who feel targeted or unsure of what the federal activity means for their families.
“To those who are feeling afraid or uncertain right now: you are not alone,” he wrote. “We see you. We care about you.”
