Federal agents are set to arrive in Charlotte as early as this weekend as the Trump administration continues its crackdown on immigration, according to a local county sheriff’s office.
The Mecklenburg County sheriff’s office on Thursday said the sheriff, Garry L. McFadden, was contacted by two unnamed federal officials this week who said U.S. Customs and Border Patrol personnel will be arriving in the Charlotte area either Saturday or early next week. Mecklenburg County encompasses Charlotte.
“We value and welcome the renewed collaboration and open communication with our federal partners,” McFadden said in a statement. “It allows us to stay informed and be proactive in keeping Mecklenburg County safe and to maintain the level of trust our community deserves.”
The announcement follows several days of confusion from some officials in North Carolina, who on Tuesday saidthere had been no communication between the Mecklenburg County sheriff’s office and the Customs and Border Patrol.
Though the agents’ operations have not been specified, the Mecklenburg County sheriff’s office stated it will not be involved with any Immigration and Customs Enforcement or CBP crackdowns.
A Homeland Security spokesperson would not comment on the North Carolina operation.
“Every day, DHS enforces the laws of the nation across the country,” spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. “We do not discuss future or potential operations.”
President Donald Trump has made immigration enforcement a top priority and has deployed immigration officials throughout the country. It’s caused a major backlash in some communities, with some people decrying what they call heavy-handed tactics.
