City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County elected officials have issued a joint statement addressing concerns about upcoming U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations in the area. The statement emphasizes the commitment of both organizations to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all residents.
“Our organizations believe that our diversity makes us stronger. And with that belief we are unwavering in our commitment to a safe and welcoming community where everyone can grow and thrive. It is critical for all residents to feel secure in our community and know they can live their lives without being fearful while walking down the street, going to school, work or the grocery store,” the statement reads.
Officials expressed concern that recent CBP operations in other cities have led to fear among residents, including detentions of individuals without criminal records and violent protests following what were described as unwarranted actions.
“We want people in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County to know we stand with all residents who simply want to go about their lives, contributing to our larger community. Each of our organizations have made commitments to the people we serve to protect their rights and dignity. We are committed to following the law and to protecting the rights of all people who call Charlotte and Mecklenburg County home,” according to the statement.
The statement encourages residents seeking legal guidance on immigration matters to reach out to relevant organizations for assistance regarding their status or rights.
“If you need the police, don’t hesitate to call 911. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) does not participate in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations and is not involved in the planning or execution of any federal immigration enforcement activities,” officials stated.
Residents are urged to exercise their right to protest peacefully, with officials asking that demonstrations remain nonviolent: “We know many of you want to speak out and make your voices heard — and that’s your right. We ask that, as a community, we do so peacefully. We do not want to see violence like many witnessed in other cities. We can stand up for what we believe in without resorting to violence.”
Mecklenburg County has seen changes in its educational landscape recently, with enrollment dropping by 0.4% during the 2022-23 school year compared with the previous year, according to data from North Carolina’s Department of Public Instruction https://www.dpi.nc.gov/. Despite this decrease, county schools enrolled a total of 153,537 students during that period https://www.dpi.nc.gov/.
The joint statement concludes by reaffirming support for diversity: “Our region has thrived and grown because our strength lies in our diversity and our collective commitment to each other and to this community. Let us all — no matter our political allegiance – stand together for all hard working and law-abiding families.”
