ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer on Friday echoed Gov. Josh Stein’s call for peace and respect for the law amid reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents could be deployed in North Carolina, possibly targeting Asheville.
“Today, Governor Stein released a statement concerning the possibility of ICE and Border Patrol agents in North Carolina. We have learned that Asheville may be a targeted city,” Manheimer said in a statement. “I stand with the governor in his strong statement in support of all of our civil rights. We value our strong relationships with all members of our community and remain dedicated to building trust while upholding the law. We believe every person, regardless of immigration status, should feel safe in the community they call home.”
The mayor also emphasized that Asheville police do not enforce immigration laws.
“APD officers are dedicated to maintaining public safety, and as stated by Chief (Mike) Lamb, APD does not have the authority to enforce immigration law,” she said.
Asheville City Council member Bo Hess issued a separate statement Friday, saying the city must protect the safety and dignity of all residents.
“We have received word that there could be ICE or Border Patrol activity in our area this weekend,” Hess said. “I stand firmly for our constitutional rights, for the safety of every resident and for the dignity of every person who calls Asheville home. No one should feel fear simply moving through our city, going to work, taking their kids to school, loving their families or enjoying their weekend.”
Hess said he has reached out to leadership at the Department of Homeland Security to express concern and seek clarity about any planned operations.
“Asheville is a welcoming community, and we will defend the trust we’ve built with our residents,” he said, adding that he echoes the mayor and governor’s message emphasizing civil rights and rejecting “fear-based tactics that undermine public safety.”
In his statement, Stein stressed that public safety should focus on violent criminals and drug traffickers, not individuals without criminal convictions, noting some of those detained in other cities were American citizens.
“Public safety is the top priority for all of us in government — and that means fighting crime, not stoking fear or causing division,” Stein said. “I want to encourage North Carolinians to remember our values. We follow the law. We remain peaceful. We do not allow ourselves to be provoked. We stand with our neighbors. And when we see injustice, we bear witness. If you see any inappropriate behavior, use your phones to record and notify local law enforcement, who will continue to keep our communities safe long after these federal agents leave. That’s the North Carolina way.”
The statements come as community leaders in Charlotte and other cities opposed to a pending federal immigration crackdown have described potential enforcement operations as an “invasion” and encouraged residents to document agents’ actions while maintaining distance.
Earlier this week, Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden confirmed that unidentified federal officials told him U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents could begin enforcement operations in the area by Saturday or early next week. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees CBP, declined to comment on future or potential operations.
Community members are preparing for enforcement actions similar to those seen in Chicago and other Democratic-led cities.