The Trump administration will deploy U.S. Border Patrol to Charlotte as part of its immigration crackdown as early as this weekend, Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden confirmed Thursday afternoon.
Why it matters: This is the first real verification of reports that the federal law enforcement agency is coming to Charlotte.
According to the sheriff's statement, two federal officials contacted McFadden on Wednesday afternoon and said agents would arrive Saturday or the beginning of next week.
- Details of the federal operation were not disclosed, and the sheriff's office was not asked to assist with or participate in any enforcement actions, per the statement.
Context: McFadden, who has criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the past, said he's improved communication with the agency since an Oct. 17 meeting, during which they discussed "a better working relationship."
- Just days later, he said ICE gave advance notice of a planned arrest at the courthouse. McFadden said the operation went smoothly and demonstrated "exactly the kind of partnership we've been requesting for years."
- He's the first official to confirm U.S. Border Patrol's anticipated arrival. Neither Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles nor North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein said they had intel as of Wednesday.
- "We value and welcome the renewed collaboration and open communication with our federal partners," McFadden said. "It allows us to stay informed and be proactive in keeping Mecklenburg County safe and to maintain the level of trust our community deserves."
Zoom out: Border Patrol has had a presence lately in Democratic-led cities, including Chicago and Los Angeles, its tactics prompting protests and confrontations with local communities.
Between the lines: Border Patrol is a separate agency from ICE, which has already been conducting arrests in Charlotte while under pressure to increase detainments.
- ICE is tasked with enforcing the nation's immigration laws anywhere within the nation's interior, whereas Border Patrol usually operates on the border and has the ability to conduct warrantless searches within certain zones.
