Last weekend, U.S. Border Patrol arrived in Charlotte, with many North Carolina residents affected by their unlawful infiltration and invasion of public spaces.
Despite fierce opposition from local leaders, North Carolinians, and advocates, the Trump administration has made the state’s largest city the latest target of its harmful immigration policy. According to Enlace Latino NC, approximately 50 arrests or more were reportedly made on the first day in Charlotte.
The Charlotte Observer has reported that there has been a significant increase in ICE arrests in Mecklenburg County, stating that ICE arrested about three times as many people in the county as it did at the same time last year.
As Charlotte residents are seeing the harmful impact of federal policies within their communities, safeguarding immigrants is more important than ever.
And in the past week, we have witnessed North Carolinians stepping up and showing up for each other in numerous ways.
In a statement regarding Border Patrol deployment, NC Democratic Governor Josh Stein said, “I want to encourage North Carolinians to remember our values. We follow the law. We remain peaceful. We do not allow ourselves to be provoked. We stand with our neighbors. And when we see injustice, we bear witness. If you see any inappropriate behavior, use your phones to record and notify local law enforcement, who will continue to keep our communities safe long after these federal agents leave. That’s the North Carolina way.”
Grocery stores in the local area are also joining the fight against unlawful arrests and surveillance. Below are some grocery stores that are helping the immigrant community get food without the fear of being detained:
- Compare Foods Charlotte: Use code NOFEE2025 until December 31st when shopping for food on their website for free shipping.
- Mana International Foods: Offering free home delivery; call 980-406-3636 to coordinate the order. Payment can be made in cash, by card, or via mobile applications, and the service is available every day from 8 am to 10 pm.
“Our mission is for our customers to be able to receive their products with peace of mind, from the comfort of their homes,” Compare Foods Charlotte said in a statement.
We must remain vigilant and take care of our neighbors, friends, and family during these turbulent times. If you would like to support impacted North Carolinians, here’s what you can do to help:
- Alert your neighbors, friends, and family about possible ICE arrests/if ICE is in your area.
- Film or record interactions with Border Patrol agents if you see someone getting arrested. Learn more about how to document an ICE arrest here.
- Share resources on food, shelter, etc.
Additional resources:
- Enlace Latino NC’s Immigration Guide: Immigration Guide • Enlace Latino NC
- Report and Verify ICE Arrests: Where to report and verify ICE arrests and raids
Map Tracking Immigration Raids in NC: “Worker’s Eye”: New map tracking immigration raids in North Carolina
