Federal agents are being deployed to Raleigh, North Carolina, to begin illegal immigration enforcement operations starting on Tuesday.
The Department of Homeland Security will be deploying U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents to the city, according to multiple reports. Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell (D) released a statement on Monday at 8:20 p.m. about CBP’s illegal immigration enforcement operations in the city.
“As the capital city, it is important to us that everyone who lives, works, plays, and learns in Raleigh feels safe,” said Cowell. “We have been made aware that Customs and Border Protection are coming to Raleigh. While the Raleigh Police Department is not involved in immigration enforcement, we are committed to protecting our residents and to following the law. I can confirm that RPD has not participated in any immigration planning activities.”
“Above all, Raleigh is a safe city, with crime down year-over-year. Public safety is a priority for me and this City Council,” Cowell added. “This is a key moment to reaffirm our commitment to serving all members of our community. If you need help from the police, you call 911, and help will come. I ask Raleigh to remember our values and maintain peace and respect through any upcoming challenges. Together we are Raleigh Strong.”
Operations targeting illegal immigrants in Raleigh come just days after DHS initiated Operation Charlotte’s Web, an illegal immigrant enforcement operation in Charlotte, North Carolina.
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein (D) released a statement on his Facebook page that was critical of illegal immigration efforts by federal agencies in his state. He falsely accused law enforcement officers of targeting people “because of the color of their skin” in Charlotte.
“Our office is aware of reports that the Border Patrol is bringing its operation to Raleigh,” Stein said. “Once again, I call on federal agents to target violent criminals, not neighbors walking down the street, going to church, or putting up Christmas decorations. Stop targeting people simply going about their lives because of the color of their skin, as you are doing in Charlotte. To the people of Raleigh: remain peaceful, and if you see something wrong, record it and report it to local law enforcement. Let’s keep each other safe.”
The North Carolina GOP issued a statement regarding the illegal immigration enforcement operations in the state and the subsequent responses by Democrats.
“Since Saturday, federal law enforcement officers have bravely taken actions to apprehend criminal illegals from the streets of North Carolina’s largest city,” read the NC GOP statement. “As these actions have unfolded, the response from the Radical Democrat Socialists in Charlotte has been reprehensible.”
“The wreckage Joe Biden and Kamala Harris inflicted on our country with their open Southern border comes into full view when these operations arrest 130 individuals as of Monday, according to the Department of Homeland Security,” said the NC GOP. “Nearly 1,400 immigration detainers across North Carolina have not been honored — releasing criminal illegal aliens into neighborhoods and free to roam the streets.”
OFFICER INJURED IN VAN ATTACK DURING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT OPERATION IN CHARLOTTE
The NC GOP pinned the blame for the state’s illegal immigrant troubles on former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat.
“This problem was enabled under former Gov. Roy Cooper, who on three separate occasions vetoed legislation to require local law enforcement to cooperate with ICE.”