CHARLOTTE, NC, AND WASHINGTON, DC — The League of Women Voters of the United States, the League of Women Voters of North Carolina, and the League of Women Voters of Charlotte–Mecklenburg issued the following joint statement in response to reports of Border Patrol activity in Charlotte this weekend:
“This weekend, Border Patrol agents entered Charlotte and began arresting community members who were targeted based on race, employment, and language. Hundreds of residents were stopped and many were detained. Some businesses were even forced to close their doors. These actions have shaken our community and undermined the trust necessary for public safety.
“North Carolinians deserve to live in safe communities and to receive due process — rights guaranteed to every person in this country. This indiscriminate deportation campaign has no place in our state.
“Governor Josh Stein noted Friday that agents arriving in Mecklenburg County should focus on arresting criminals and drug traffickers. He stated, ‘Unfortunately, that's not always what we have seen with ICE and Border Patrol Agents in Chicago and elsewhere around the country. The vast majority of people they have detained have no criminal convictions, and some are American citizens.’
“The League of Women Voters of the United States, the League of Women Voters of North Carolina, and the League of Women Voters of Charlotte–Mecklenburg stand with community leaders calling for due process, transparency, and the safety of all residents. We urge that any protests or demonstrations in response to these actions remain peaceful and orderly.”
The following resources are available to residents during this time:
Siembra NC Defense Hotline: 336-543-0353
Carolina Migrant Network Hotline (Español): 704-740-7737
Siembra NC Safe to Work, Safe to School Training
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