Federal Immigration Enforcement Expands to Raleigh, North Carolina

Tue Nov 18 2025 10:53:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Federal immigration authorities plan to extend their operations from Charlotte to Raleigh, resulting in community concerns following a recent wave of arrests involving over 130 individuals.

Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell announced that federal immigration enforcement will soon commence in the capital city, following significant arrests in Charlotte. The move is part of the broader immigration crackdown initiated by the Trump administration targeting sanctuary cities. Local leaders express concern over community safety and the impact of these operations.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (PulseWire) — Following a significant immigration operation in Charlotte over the weekend that resulted in the arrests of more than 130 individuals, federal immigration authorities are set to extend their enforcement actions to Raleigh as soon as Tuesday, according to Mayor Janet Cowell.

Mayor Cowell, a Democrat, stated she is uncertain about the scale or duration of federal operations in the capital city as the immigration authorities have yet to comment on their plans. Cowell emphasized public safety remains a priority for her administration and the city council, noting that crime rates in Raleigh have decreased this year compared to last year.

U.S. immigration agents are reported to have targeted areas in Charlotte during the recent crackdown, which critics argue exacerbates fears and tensions within the community. Charlotte has become a focal point for the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement strategy, aiming to address perceived crime associated with undocumented populations.

This move to expand operations to Raleigh follows similar crackdowns in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago, perceived as strongholds against the Trump administration’s stances. The rationale for targeting North Carolina, particularly, lies in its so-called sanctuary policies that limit cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement.

Local and state leaders, including Governor Josh Stein, have raised alarms over the approach taken by federal authorities. They argue it detracts from actual safety measures and instills fear among residents, especially within immigrant communities that contribute to the state's vibrant economy.

In response to these actions, local officials have voiced their support for community members and called for respect and peaceful discourse as federal enforcement ramp-up approaches. Mayor Cowell urged residents to uphold community values amid the challenges posed by federal immigration policies.

As tensions continue to simmer between local leaders and federal officials, the implications of these raids remain under close observation. Stakeholders worry that this could set a precedent for more aggressive immigration tactics in North Carolina and beyond.