THE NORTH CAROLINA FLYOVER – U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents began an immigration enforcement operation in Raleigh on Tuesday. The move follows Operation Charlotte’s Web, which resulted in over 200 arrests over the weekend and prompted widespread fear and school absences among Charlotte’s immigrant community.
Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell announced her awareness of the impending operation on Monday, stating, “While RPD is not involved in immigration enforcement, we are committed to protecting our residents and to following the law.”
Gov. Josh Stein urged agents to target violent criminals only, while Wake County Sheriff Willie Rowe asked residents “to refrain from engaging or confronting Border Patrol personnel and allow them to carry out their official duties.” Mayors of nearby cities, as well as local school officials, are also communicating their prioritization of safety with the public.
The Raleigh operation is raising concerns across the Triad that Border Patrol agents may target Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point next, although no such operations have been confirmed.