Federal immigration agents to expand enforcement operation to Raleigh, mayor says

Federal immigration agents will expand their enforcement operation in North Carolina to the city of Raleigh as soon as Tuesday, according to the mayor.

Democrat Mayor Janet Cowel said Monday that she didn’t know how large the federal operation would be or how long agents would be present in the city, which is also the state capital.

Federal Immigration officials have not yet mentioned the Raleigh operation, The Associated Press reported.

Cowell said that crime was lower in Raleigh this year compared to last year, and that public safety was a priority for her and the city council.

“I ask Raleigh to remember our values and maintain peace and respect through any upcoming challenges,” she said.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents began operations in the North Carolina city of Charlotte over the weekend, leading to the arrests of more than 130 people.

“We’ve seen masked, heavily armed agents in paramilitary garb driving unmarked cars, targeting American citizens based on their skin color," Democrat Gov. Josh Stein said late Sunday. "This is not making us safer. It’s stoking fear and dividing our community.”

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said Monday that she was “deeply concerned” about videos she had seen of the immigration crackdown, but also said she appreciates protesters’ peacefulness.

“To everyone in Charlotte who is feeling anxious or fearful: You are not alone. Your city stands with you,” Lyles said.