Federal Immigration Crackdown Expands to Raleigh, North Carolina

Tue Nov 18 2025 11:14:10 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Mayor Janet Cowell of Raleigh announces the expansion of federal immigration enforcement in the capital city following a major operation in Charlotte that led to the arrest of over 130 individuals. Officials emphasize the importance of public safety amidst rising concerns about the impact of immigration policies.

Federal immigration enforcement is set to expand its operations to Raleigh, North Carolina, starting Tuesday, as Mayor Janet Cowell confirms ongoing action in Charlotte, where more than 130 arrests were made over the weekend amid political tensions concerning immigration and local policies. The effectiveness and implications of these actions are being debated amongst local leaders and residents.

Federal immigration authorities are expanding their enforcement actions in North Carolina, with new operations expected to begin in Raleigh as early as Tuesday. Mayor Janet Cowell of Raleigh made the announcement following a weekend sweep in Charlotte that resulted in over 130 arrests by Customs and Border Protection agents.

Mayor Cowell expressed uncertainty about the scale and duration of the Raleigh operations, stating, Crime in our city has decreased compared to last year, and my priority, along with the city council, is public safety.

I urge Raleigh to uphold our community's values and ensure that we navigate through any challenges with peace and respect, she added in her statement.

The recent operations align with actions taken under the Trump administration in other major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles and Chicago, raising concerns among local officials about potential impacts on community safety and cohesion.

Federal officials indicated that many of the arrested individuals in Charlotte had previous criminal records, including charges related to gang activity and shoplifting, but they declined to provide specific information about convictions or ongoing legal proceedings. This crackdown has sparked protests from community leaders denouncing the aggressive tactics used during the enforcement.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles voiced her concerns about the heavy-handed approach of immigration agents and emphasized the need for community solidarity amid rising fear among residents.

In North Carolina, the Department of Homeland Security has cited sanctuary policies that have limited cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities as a reason for targeting the state.

Critics argue that the focus on immigration enforcement could exacerbate tensions in a state which has seen a shift in political alignment, with recent elections resulting in a predominantly Democratic local government.

While immigration leaders insist that the recent law enforcement actions are necessary for community safety, local officials and residents question the overall effectiveness and morality of such policies amidst changing social dynamics.