Charlotte advocates prepare for federal immigration officers to come to city
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Charlotte groups shifted meeting to address federal immigration enforcement incoming.
- Border Patrol presence confirmed by sheriff could mark escalation from ICE actions.
- Advocates warn misinformation fuels fear, deterring health, school and food access.
While CharlotteEAST’s monthly meetings normally have about 25 attendees, nearly 500 joined Wednesday’s meeting.
Executive Director Greg Asciutto said the nonprofit had already planned a virtual community forum that day. The timing worked out.
“We just pivoted from that agenda to make it all about immigration,” and passed the mic to groups who help immigrants, he said.
Normally, the nonprofit’s focus is supporting east Charlotte businesses. But with reports that the city is U.S. Border Patrol’s next target for an operation, many are talking and planning in east Charlotte, where there is a large immigrant population.
Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden issued a statement on Thursday saying he has confirmed that Border Patrol will do some type of work in Charlotte, possibly as early as Saturday.
Previous federal activity in Charlotte
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been active in Charlotte this year, often in a public way.
ICE drew outrage when its agents arrested a man near a school drop-off line in May. They have also arrested people outside the county courthouse without notifying the sheriff’s office, raising safety concerns; the sheriff recently said the agency is now communicating with him. And they angered congregants when they stationed themselves in a church’s parking lot while preschool took place.
Preparations for federal officers
But the expected arrival of Border Patrol and its leader, Gregory Bovino, could signal an escalation. Chicago Mayor Brandon Jones has said they provoked “terror” in his city.
The main immigrant advocacy group in Charlotte, Carolina Migrant Network, has noticed more fear. That group works to put out verified information about federal agents in the area.
“We’re seeing a lot of (posts) from a lot of influencers, or whatever you want to call them, saying that there is ICE here, ICE there, ICE everywhere,” said Carolina Migrant Network spokesperson Daniela Andrade. “And in reality, it’s not. So, that’s alarming.”
Undue fear will cause people to not see a doctor, send their kids to school or go out to get food, among other essentials, she said.
Ryan Oehrli covers criminal justice in the Charlotte region for The Charlotte Observer. His work is produced with financial support from the nonprofit The Just Trust. The Observer maintains full editorial control of its journalism.
This story was originally published November 13, 2025 at 2:42 PM.