The suspects’ attorneys attempted to intervene with ICE during the arrests.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. โ U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested four men at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse on Tuesday, drawing confrontations with at least three attorneys who attempted to intervene during the arrests, according to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.
ICE agents took into custody Elder Andrade Nascimiento, Gerson Molina, Nestor Ponce Rivas and Alfredo Xocua-Xitlama. Court records show three of the four men had active cases before the court at the time of their arrests.
Molina was in court on charges of domestic violence and assault on a female. Ponce Rivas faced charges of cocaine possession, driving while impaired, two counts of child abuse, resisting arrest, and possession of an open container after consuming alcohol. Xocua-Xitlama was in court on DWI and other traffic-related charges. Public court records for Andrade Nascimiento were not found.
A sheriff’s office spokesperson said three attorneys interfered with agents during the arrests. One attorney questioned ICE agents about whether they possessed a warrant. Two others positioned themselves near elevators, with one female attorney reportedly shouting for a deputy. That same attorney also physically attempted to block agents from escorting two of the detainees downstairs, according to MCSO.
ICE officers warned sheriff’s officials that going forward, anyone who impedes the arrest process could face arrest themselves.
The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office said it remains impartial and will continue to follow the law.
No further information has been released.
