The resolution was mostly symbolic but affirms the board of commissioners’ support for all people living within the county.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mecklenburg County commissioners unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday night affirming constitutional protections for immigrant communities, as anxiety mounted over federal immigration enforcement operations that have swept through Charlotte in recent days.
“Last night at the dinner table, my 17-year-old son was shaking; he was afraid that if he got pulled over and couldn’t prove that he was a citizen, he would get arrested,” a resident told commissioners during an emotional public hearing that packed the county chambers.
The resolution, titled “Affirming Constitutional Protections and Expressing Support for Our Immigrant Community,” condemns racial profiling and reinforces that county services will remain accessible to all residents regardless of immigration status. It also calls for timely and transparent notification from federal authorities regarding enforcement actions.
“We love and respect each and every last one of you and we are waiting for the day the world will give you that respect,” Commissioner George Dunlap said after the vote.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced that agents arrested over 130 people during the first two days of operations in Charlotte, though officials have not provided detailed information about the scope or duration of the enforcement action.
The resolution comes as families and advocates expressed growing distress over the federal operations. “These are people who fled government abuse and today right here in Charlotte they are reliving that trauma,” another speaker told the board.
Commissioner Mark Jerrell, the board chair, acknowledged the limitations of local authority while emphasizing the county’s stance. “We don’t condone it, we don’t stand for it and we represent the people of Mecklenburg County, and we stand by every word of this proclamation,” he said.
Jerrell had previously questioned the federal government’s transparency, asking “why Charlotte?” and calling the timing of operations potentially political.
Local government and law enforcement officials lack the authority to intervene in federal immigration operations, limiting the county’s response largely to symbolic measures. Commissioner Laura Meier expressed frustration with that reality: “Get out, border patrol, we didn’t ask for you, we didn’t want you, you are hurting families and education.”
Charlotte City Council addressed similar concerns Monday night, with Mayor Vi Lyles acknowledging residents’ fears. “That fear is real,” Lyles said. “We have to understand that it’s real and that we are working as hard as we can to provide support.”
Next week, the City Council is scheduled to vote on temporary funding for local organizations assisting residents affected by the enforcement operations, though officials said reallocating funds could take weeks.
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.