The exact timing of the operation is unknown, according to a Department of Homeland Security official who spoke with NBC News.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. โ Charlotte will be the next city where Border Patrol will begin an immigration enforcement operation, according to a report from NBC News.ย
The exact timing of the operation is still unknown. According to NBC, it would follow Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino’s exit from Chicago. He’s led President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration crackdown, known as “Operation Midway Blitz,” since September. A Department of Homeland Security official told NBC News that Bovino could leave Chicago sometime this week.ย
Charlotte is expected to be the first city where Border Patrol will spearhead immigration enforcement without coordinating ICE in the same location. Although ICE has made arrests in Charlotte, the agency wasn’t coordinating with Border Patrol.ย
DHS press secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a statement to NBC News saying the agency wasn’t leaving Chicago. McLaughlin cited numerous crime statistics to indicate the operation has been successful.ย
McLaughlin issued the following statement to WCNC Charlotte when asked about the reported operation:ย
“Every day, DHS enforces the laws of the nation across the country. We do not discuss future or potential operations.”
The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office said it hasn’t been contacted by the Border Patrol about future operations, nor has it been involved in any future planning. The agency gave the following statement to WCNC Charlotte:ย
“The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has received several inquiries regarding the United States Border Patrol, also known as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), departing from the Chicago area and heading to Charlotte, N.C., to conduct operations. However, the MCSO has not been contacted by any CBP representatives regarding any potential operations, nor have we been involved in any planning or conversations.
Sheriff Garry McFadden also spoke directly with Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) regarding this matter. CMPD has also not received any formal or informal contact information regarding any operation planning, processing, or procedures by the CBP operating in and around the Charlotte area.ย
Given the current climate surrounding immigration and the potential for violence associated with law enforcement operations at any level, Sheriff McFadden respectfully requests that any CBP activities taking place within Mecklenburg County be communicated to MCSO and local law enforcement in advance along with any relevant updates or points of contacts. This will help ensure the safety of all parties involved.”
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