More ICE Raids in ‘Sanctuary’ Charlotte

CHARLOTTE – An ICE raid in the Queen City Wednesday has demonstrated the federal immigration authority’s need to step up operations after Sheriff’s abandon cooperation policies in favor of providing sanctuary to illegal immigrants.

Earlier we told you about an ICE raid targeting a manufacturing plant in Sanford, Lee County. The Lee County Sheriff’s Department assisted with detaining 30 illegal aliens suspected of identity theft and fraud.

In Mecklenburg County, however, the Sheriff publicly suspended the cooperation contract the county had with ICE, just like his counterparts in Wake County, Forsyth County, Durham County, and so on. When the Sanctuary Sheriff movement became evident, ICE officials stated that such policy changes would have the effect of increasing unilateral immigration enforcement by federal agencies.

Wednesday’s raid in Mecklenburg County prove that was no bluff.

From WNCN:

More than a dozen people were arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Wednesday morning, according to a Charlotte community group. 

A spokesperson for Comunidad Colectiva claimed the arrests came after a workplace raid in Sanford, N.C. and threats by ICE to target immigrants after the 287g program was ended in Mecklenburg County. […]

“Charlotte residents have been clear in their vision for Mecklenburg County. Last year voters elected Sheriff Garry McFadden to end all collaboration with I.C.E. Today we again echo those calls and declare that I.C.E. has no place in our jails, in our courts, and in our streets.”

Hector Vaca, immigrant justice director for Action NC, said he believed getting rid of 287g was a step in the right direction, but the recent operations by ICE are worrisome.

“287g was horrible,” Vaca said. “We’re glad it’s gone, but right now ICE is being more aggressive.””

Actually, federal law enforcement most definitely has a place in enforcing federal laws. Did they think merely because the voted for a Sanctuary Sheriff that immigration authorities were going to direct their attention elsewhere? ICE literally told them this was going to happen.

Here’s the thing: if you are residing in this country illegal, you are in violation of the law. Federal immigration authorities like ICE are duty-bound to enforce those laws. It matters not for which reason you broke that law, which families members you brought with you, or how upstanding a member of the community you are – you’ve broken the law.

As such, you can expect these raids to continue, if not pick up pace, as the federal emphasis on enforcing such laws is prioritized amid a woefully inadequate of border security that allows for properly vetting and granting legal entry to the United States.