Charlotte, North Carolina, is poised to experience an immigration enforcement operation initiated by the Trump administration, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents expected to arrive imminently. Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden confirmed that two federal officials have acknowledged the operation, although specific details remain undisclosed, and his office has not been asked to assist.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has refrained from commenting on the operation, maintaining that it enforces national laws without discussing future actions. This operation is part of a broader trend of deploying federal resources to Democratic-led cities, which has been justified by the Trump administration as necessary to combat crime and support mass deportation efforts.

In anticipation of the federal presence, local activists, faith leaders, and officials have mobilized to support the immigrant community by sharing resources and information aimed at alleviating fears. A recent call organized by the group CharlotteEAST attracted nearly 500 participants, focusing on creating a mutual aid network.

City Councilmember-Elect JD Mazuera Arias highlighted the importance of connecting community members with support networks. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has clarified that it does not have the authority to enforce federal immigration laws and is not involved in the planning of these operations. Reports of plainclothes officers in local neighborhoods have raised concerns among residents, echoing similar situations observed in other cities.

State Senator Caleb Theodros, representing Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, expressed solidarity with the immigrant community, emphasizing the significant contributions of over 150,000 foreign-born residents to the local economy and culture. He affirmed that the community is committed to standing together against fear and division.

Local organizations, including Indivisible Charlotte and the Carolina Migrant Network, are conducting training sessions for volunteers to help them recognize legitimate ICE agents and understand their rights. These groups are also planning protests, emphasizing a cautious approach to avoid confrontations with federal agents. Community members are reportedly concerned but are navigating the implications of the impending federal operation with a sense of resilience.